Sexual Health Awareness
Know your status.
Protect what matters.
Sexually transmitted infections (STI), commonly known as STDs, are common, treatable, and often have no symptoms.
The basics
What are sexually transmitted infections?
Sexually transmitted infections are infections passed from person to person through sexual contact. Some can also spread through blood or skin-to-skin contact.
STIs are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Bacterial infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea can usually be cured with antibiotics. Viral infections like HIV and herpes can be managed effectively with treatment.
Many STIs cause no symptoms at all. Someone can carry an infection for months or years without knowing — and unknowingly pass it on. Testing is the only reliable way to know your status.
Why it matters
Why testing is one of the most responsible things you can do
Testing protects you and your partners. Undetected STIs can silently cause serious complications — infertility, organ damage, increased cancer risk, and in the case of HIV, progression to AIDS.
Knowing your status gives you options. Bacterial infections can be cured entirely. Viral infections can be managed so effectively that transmission risk drops to near zero. Early detection changes outcomes dramatically.
It also protects people you care about. Some infections like syphilis can be transmitted during pregnancy, affecting the baby. Testing is an act of care — for yourself and others.
Who should test
Testing isn't just for people who feel sick
Health guidelines recommend regular STI screening for anyone who is sexually active. Certain situations call for testing more urgently.
There is no "type" of person who gets STIs. They affect people of every age, gender, orientation, and background. Stigma is the only reason people don't get tested — not reality.
What to expect
Testing is simple, quick, and usually painless
Many people avoid testing because they don't know what to expect. In most cases, it takes less than 15 minutes and involves little to no discomfort.
Choose where to go
Testing is available at your doctor's office, sexual health clinics, community health centers, and urgent care. At-home test kits are also a private, convenient option for several common STIs.
Tell your provider what you need
No single test covers every STI. Tell your provider your sexual history and ask which tests you're being screened for. It's always appropriate to ask for comprehensive testing.
Samples are collected
Depending on the test, samples may include a blood draw, urine sample, swab from the genitals, throat, or rectum. Most are quick and minimally uncomfortable.
Get your results
Results typically come back within a few days. Many clinics offer secure online portals. Rapid HIV tests can give results in 20 minutes at some locations.
Act on what you learn
Negative results bring peace of mind. Positive results mean treatment begins — and most treatments are straightforward. Your provider will advise on partner notification where applicable.
Clearing the record
Common myths — and what's actually true
"I would know if I had an STI — I'd feel symptoms."
Most chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes cases produce no noticeable symptoms. You can carry and transmit an infection without ever feeling unwell.
"STIs only happen to people with many partners."
It only takes one sexual encounter to contract an STI. Partner count is not a reliable indicator of risk.
"My doctor would have told me if I had an STI at my last check-up."
STI screening is not automatically included in routine physicals. You usually need to ask for it specifically.
"Condoms provide complete protection, so testing isn't necessary."
Condoms significantly reduce risk but don't eliminate it — especially for skin-to-skin infections like herpes and HPV. Testing and barrier methods together are the strongest combination.