Sexually Transmitted Infections

What you need to know about the most common STIs

Below are the STIs most often found in or contracted by humans. This is purely informational — for a true, effective diagnosis, please consult with one of our reproductive health specialists.

Bacterial Vaginosis

Cause still unknown, but an imbalance of bacteria can increase the chances of contracting it. It increases the risk of contracting other STIs as well. Treatable with antibiotics.

Chlamydia

One of the most common STIs, it often affects people under 25. It’s often symptomless, so carriers infect others through lack of caution because they don’t know they have it. Can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and tubal pregnancy. Treatable with antibiotics.

Genital Warts

Caused by certain strains of HPV, these are flesh-colored lumps that cluster on areas around the pelvis and genitals, and sometimes itch. Can be treated with a vaccine, prescription creams, surgery, or laser or freezing procedures.

Gonorrhea

Often asymptomatic in women but causing painful urination and penile discharge in men, gonorrhea can cause other problems, like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), tubal pregnancy and infertility. Treatable with antibiotics.

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2)

Many patients don’t know they have it, making it easy to spread to others. However, it sometimes causes sores to appear, which are particularly contagious. There’s no cure, but antiviral medications can treat outbreaks and make it less contagious.

HIV

Isn’t always spread sexually but can be by someone who has received it another way — including through exchange of bodily fluids such as blood; by sharing needles; or from mother to baby during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding. Causes severe flu-like symptoms and can lead to AIDS. Must be treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) medication.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

There are over 100 different strains of this virus, but not all are harmful or cause symptoms. Of those that do, some cause genital or anal warts, while others cause pre-cancer and cancer. Some can be treated with vaccines while others can be treated with other medications.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Infection and inflammation usually caused by gonorrhea or chlamydia that has gone untreated. Affects the uterus, fallopian tubes and/or ovaries. STI screening to catch infections early can reduce the risk of developing PID. Treatable with antibiotics.

Syphilis

Spread by blood and bodily fluids, it shows symptoms in four stages, beginning with a single painless sore and ending with potential damage to internal organs, including the brain (if not treated). Treatable with antibiotics.

Trichomoniasis

Often symptomless in males and causing vaginal discharge in women, this is spread by unprotected sex. Treatable with antibiotics.

Most of these STIs are Preventable

Learn about the most common ways to practice safe sex and avoid transmission of disease.