The Basics

There are now more than a dozen STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections), several of which are chronic, life-long infections.  In the United States, it is estimated that there are 19 million new infections each year - over half of these occurring in young people, ages 15-24 .  Presently, over 70 million people in the U.S. are infected, or have been infected with an STI or STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) .
 

STIs & STDs: What Are They?

 
An STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) is an infection that does not show any physical signs or symptoms.  It is contracted from another infected person through sexual activity.  It becomes an STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) when symptoms appear.  It’s important to remember that not all infected people will have signs or symptoms.  The problem is that some of these STDs can cause lots of damage and can be passed to your partner without your knowledge.  You do not have to have symptoms to be contagious; you can spread the disease at any time. 

STDs & STIs: Prevention

Did you know that some STIs can be spread through all forms of sex and/or intimate skin-to-skin contact (oral sex, outercourse, anal sex, mutual masturbation)?  Condoms are not as effective as most think at preventing the spread of STIs. Using a condom during sex can sometimes reduce the risk for transmitting or contracting certain STIs, but using a condom never eliminates the risk entirely.