Sexually Transmitted Infections - STIs

What are STI’s?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), previously referred to as Sexually transmitted diseases are illnesses that are caused by means of human sexual behaviors, including: vaginal intercourse, oral sex and anal sex.

How can one get an STI?

The transmission of STIs is almost always the consequence of sex with an infected partner without using a condom. But there are some STIs that can be transmitted by sharing intravenous drug needles or other sharp objects with an infected person, receiving infected blood, as well as through childbirth and breast-feeding.

Most of the time people do not know that they are infected with an STI until they are tested or start showing symptoms of disease.

Healthcare professionals suggest safer sex, such as using condoms during sexual activity.

Common Types of STIs

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), previously referred to as Sexually transmitted diseases are illnesses that are caused by means of human sexual behaviors, including: vaginal intercourse, oral sex and anal sex.

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How can one get an STI?

The transmission of STIs is almost always the consequence of sex with an infected partner without using a condom. But there are some STIs that can be transmitted by sharing intravenous drug needles or other sharp objects with an infected person, receiving infected blood, as well as through childbirth and breast-feeding.

Most of the time people do not know that they are infected with an STI until they are tested or start showing symptoms of disease.

Healthcare professionals suggest safer sex, such as using condoms during sexual activity.

How to prevent STIs.

Generally, most STIs can be prevented by:

  • Abstaining from sexual intercourse
  • Using condoms correctly and consistently.
  • Testing for HIV with your partner regularly and before engaging in sex
  • Having a mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected person
Using a condom?

Condoms are one of the most common forms of birth control, and the most known way to prevent against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 

Using a condom correctly every time you have sex is the only way to reduce your risk of both pregnancy and STIs. In fact,when used correctly and consistently, condoms can be up to 98% effective at preventing pregnancy.

Correct condom use entails the following:

  1. Talk with your partner about the decision to have sex and the different protection options. 
  2. Check the expiration date on the package and look for any holes, tears, or signs of damage. 
  3. Carefully open the package and remove the condom.
  4. Wait for the penis to become erect. Then, place the condom on the head of the penis and hold the tip of the condom to squeeze out any air.
  5. Roll the condom down to cover the entire penis.
  6. Keep the condom on the penis until you’re done having sex, whether or not ejaculation occurs.
  7. Hold onto the rim of the condoms at the base of the penis. Then, withdraw the penis.
  8. Carefully take the condom off of the penis and throw it in the garbage.
  9. Use a new condom if both partners want to have sex again.