Overview of Sexually Transmitted Infections

STIs are infections that are passed from person to person through sexual contact, including oral sex.

• STIs may be caused by different types of germs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and syphilis

• Some STIs can be spread through kissing or close body contact, not just intercourse

• Some STIs can cause very serious health problems throughout your whole body

• Using condoms can help prevent STIs

Pathway From the Vagina to the Ovaries

In women, some organisms can enter the vagina and infect other reproductive organs. From the vagina, these organisms can enter the cervix and uterus and may reach the fallopian tubes and sometimes the ovaries.

Pathway From the Penis to the Epididymis

Occasionally in men, organisms spread up the urethra and travel through the tube that carries sperm from the testis (vas deferens) to infect the epididymis at the top of a testis.

STIs are caused by tiny viruses, bacteria, and parasites, depending on the disease. People who have sex with an infected partner can get an STI. The sex can be vaginal, oral, or anal. However, some STIs also can be spread in other ways, including:

• Kissing or close body contact

• From mother to child before or during birth

• Breastfeeding

Some STIs do not cause symptoms. If you do have symptoms of an STI, you may have:

• Sores on your genitals or mouth

• Discharge from the sores or your genitals

• Pain or itching

• Pain when urinating (peeing)

If you don't get treated quickly, some STIs can cause more serious problems:

• Heart and brain infections

• Cancer

• Infertility (when you can't get pregnant)

Doctors may do tests on your blood, urine, or on a sample from your penis, vagina, throat, or rectum.

If you have one STI, doctors also do tests for other STIs—people who have one STI have a relatively high chance of having another one.

Most STIs can be treated with medicines. Some viral STIs can't be cured, so you have them for life.