The more you know about the signs, symptoms, and the how STIs spread, the better you’ll be at preventing getting and spreading STIs yourself. From gonorrhea to syphilis, learn the the ABCs of STIs here!
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STI PREVENTION
trust us, you don’t want these
Trichomoniasis
When signs start:Â Within about 1 month after infection
Symptoms include:
- Discharge from genitals
- Vaginal odor, itching, or irritation
- Pain during sex or urination
Syphilis
When signs start:Â Varies
Symptoms include:
- About 10-90 days after infection: 1 or more small, firm, round painless sores on or near genitals, anus or mouth
- Lasts about 3-6 weeks
- Up to several weeks later a small rash often on hands or feet
- Late stage may include problems with vision and hearing
HIV
When signs start:Â Varies
Symptoms include:
- About 1-2 months after infection: flu-like symptoms
- Up to 10 years or more later:
- Swollen glands
- Tiredness
- Weight loss
- Night sweats
- Mouth sores
HEP B
When signs start:Â 9-21 weeks after infection
Symptoms include:
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or abdominal pain
- Dark urine or clay-colored feces
- Yellowing of skin and whites of eyes
- Joint pain
GONORRHEA
When symptoms start:Â Within about 10 days or more after infection
Symptoms Include:Â
- Discharge from genitals or anus
- Painful urination
- Bleeding between periods
- Painful or swollen testicles
GENITAL HPV
When Signs Start:Â Within weeks or months after infection
Symptoms Include:
- Soft, moist swellings in or around genital area that may be:
- large or small
- pink
- cauliflower-shaped
GENITAL HERPES
When Signs Start: Within about 2 weeks after infection
Symptoms Include:
- 1 or more blisters or other sores on or around genitals or anus
- Heals in 2 – 4 week
- Flu-like symptoms
CHLAMYDIA
When Signs Start: About 1-3 Weeks after infection
Symptoms Include:
- Burning when urinating
- Discharge from genitals
- Bleeding between periods
- Pain during sex
PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR PARTNER
HAVE HONEST CONVERSATIONS
Talking about safe sex doesn’t have to kill the mood.Â
Have honest conversations with your partners. “Have you been tested recently?”
Offer to help put the condom on. A little water-based lube on the outside feels good.
Say what you like-and don’t like. Learning what feels good for each of you can turn you both on.
GET TESTED FOR STIS
If you believe you’ve been exposed to an STI, get tested!
If you have more than one sexual partner, it’s smart to get tested regularly. Remember, you won’t always have a symptom, and if going untreated, STIs can cause serious harm to your body.
ALWAYS USE A CONDOM
Latex condoms are the most effective way to help prevent an STI when you have sex.
Use water-based lubricant. This helps keep the condom from breaking.