Sexually Transmitted Diseases/Infections
Please use the list at the bottom of the page if you would like to jump directly to a particular topic. For additional information:
American Social Health Association
Centers For Disease Control and Prevention CDC en Espanol
Washington State Department of Health
Unusual discharge or odor from vagina or penis
Pain or burning when urinating
Itching, rash, lumps or blisters around the genitals or anus
Pain and/or bleeding during sex
Bleeding after sex and/or between periods
Abdominal Pain
Discuss with your partner before you have sex how you will both protect yourselves.
Become familiar with how to use condoms
Have a supply of condoms ready
There are lots of choices of condoms so try a different one if you are not happy with the ones you use now
Learn about how infections are spread, what symptoms to look for, and where to go for help if you are worried
Have a routine check up at a sexual health clinic
If you or your partner have symptoms or think you might have an infection seek medical care before you have any more sex
Tell your partner if you have an infection so they can be treated too
Do not have sex until treatment or medications are finished.
Sex is a normal and pleasurable part of life, however, it is possible that if one person has an infection it can pass to another person through the close physical contact that happens when people have sex. Infections that are spread in this way are known as sexually transmitted diseases (STD) or infections (STI).
You may not have considered the possibility of getting an infection. Being well-informed about STIs will help you to avoid them. If you feel you need more information then don’t be afraid to ask.
STDs are most commonly passed on through vaginal, oral and anal sex. You don’t need to have a lot of sexual partners to get an STD although having multiple partners increases your risk of infection.
Common symptoms of an STD are:
Note: Symptoms, however, can vary from infection to infection and many STIs show no symptoms at all. It is not uncommon to have more than one infection at the same time.
Some STDs can be completely cured if found early enough and may only require you to take an antibiotic. However, if left untreated infections can be painful and uncomfortable or, at worst, cause permanent damage to your health and fertility.
How to avoid STDs
Of course, the best way to avoid STDs and pregnancy is abstinence (not have sex). If you choose to be sexually active, using a condom (male or female) correctly EVERY TIME you have sex will reduce the risk of transmission of some STDs, including HIV. However, there are also several things that you can do to make sex safer.
Be Prepared