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STIs: Get the Facts

What’s an STI? What does STI stand for? How can you find out if you have one? Keep scrolling to learn more.

What is an STI?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are infections primarily caused by bacteria and viruses spread from person to person during vaginal, oral, or anal sex or other intimate contact. Even if you don’t have sex, it is still possible to get an STI. Some STIs, like herpes and HPV, are also spread by skin-to-skin contact.  

Condoms, hearts, urine samples, and shots alternate on the screen.

Am I at risk for getting an STI?

  • STIs are very common, especially among youth. About 1 in 5 people in the United States had an STI on any given day in 2018. People who are 15 to 24 years old are getting about half of all new STIs.
  • You can get an STI even if your partner has no symptoms. It’s impossible to know if someone has an STI just by looking at them.
  • Your chances of getting an STI increase when you have more partners, but you can still get an STI even if you have sex with only one person.
A femme person holds a megaphone and the words, "STIs are very common" flash across the screen.

How can I protect myself from getting an STI?

The most effective way to protect yourself from getting an STI is to not have sex. In fact, the majority of teens (73%) are not sexually active. There are many things you can do to decrease your chances of contracting an STI:

  • Get vaccinated. Talk with your parent or another trusted adult about making sure you have had the HPV and Hepatitis B vaccines or ask your doctor about these vaccines at your next check-up.
  • Get tested for STIs before having sex and ask your partner to get tested too. If either of you have an STI, you should get treated.
  • Start a conversation with your partner(s) about STIs. Ask them if they have been tested for STIs since the last time they had sex, advocate for using protection (see examples below), and discuss the other STI prevention strategies mentioned earlier. Having fewer sexual partners also reduces your risk of getting an STI.
  • Use protection, like an external condom; internal condom; or dental dam every time you have sex. Learn how to use these barriers correctly before you have sex.
The text reads, "Protect Yourself". A line of condoms and shots separate the words from images of viruses.

How can I find out if I have an STI?

  • Get tested regularly if you’re having sex! Testing is the only way to know if you have an STI. Learn more about the CDC’s recommendations about what kinds of tests you might need to get and how often you should get tested.
  • If you feel comfortable, talk with your parent or another trusted adult about finding a place to get tested. Parents and other trusted adults can be great sources of support when it comes to getting tested for STIs. However, if you don’t yet feel ready to talk with your parent or guardian about the topic, you can likely get tested and treated confidentially. Research your state’s laws relating to minors’ access to STI services, or ask your doctor about their privacy policy before you begin.
  • Find fast and confidential testing (including free or low-cost testing) near you by entering your zip code in this directory.
The text reads, "Get tested." There are multiple urine samples next to the text.

What do I do if I have an STI?

  • Many STIs can be cured. Make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions for treatment and avoid sexual activity while you are being treated.
  • Some STIs cannot be cured, such as HPV (including genital warts), genital herpes, and HIV, but medication can help with symptoms. Follow your doctor’s instructions for treatment and ask about how to talk with your current or future partner(s) about your STI to protect their health.
  • Talk with your partner and encourage them to get tested. Check out these tips to help you with the conversation.
  • Avoid sex if you are experiencing any STI symptoms such as discharge, burning, or itching in your penis, vagina, vulva, or anus.
A red-headed boy holds a sign that reads, "STIs are often easy to treat, but they can cause health consequences if they are ignored."

Remember: STIs are very common.

Don’t be embarrassed to ask questions or to get tested! By learning about STIs and getting tested, you’re taking responsibility for your own health and the health of your partner(s). STIs are often easy to treat, but they can cause serious health consequences if they are ignored. Not having sex is the most effective way to keep from getting an STI, but you can also reduce your risk by using protection, like a condom or dental dam, every time you have sex.