STD/STI FAQs

What is a Sexually Transmitted Disease?

A sexually transmitted disease (STD) is an infection that spreads from one person to another through sexual contact.  This includes vaginal, oral, and anal sex, and in some cases, even close skin-to-skin contact..

STDs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Some STDs can have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, while others can cause serious health problems if not treated.

What's the Difference between a Sexually Transmitted Disease v. Infection?

A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is the early stage when a person has the germ but may not feel sick, while a sexually transmitted disease (STD) happens when the infection causes symptoms or health problems.

Many infections are called STDs even if they don’t cause obvious signs at first. Doctors often use the term "STI" because it reminds people that you can carry and spread an infection even if you feel fine. Early testing and treatment can help prevent serious health issues.

What are the Most Common STD/STIs?

There are 6 common STD/STIs that affect millions of people each year, especially young adults.

In the United States, young adults aged 15–24 account for nearly half of all reported sexually transmitted infections (STIs) each year, despite making up only about a quarter of the sexually active population. This means that, on average, one out of every four sexually active individuals in this age group is carrying an STI.

Here are brief descriptions of the most prevalent STD/STIs:

• Chlamydia: The most commonly reported STD, especially among young women. It often has no symptoms but can lead to serious reproductive issues if untreated.​

• Gonorrhea: A bacterial infection that can affect various body parts. Many people show no symptoms, but it can cause complications like infertility if not treated.​

• Syphilis: A bacterial infection that progresses in stages. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent severe health problems.​

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV): A very common virus with many types. Some strains can cause genital warts, while others may lead to certain cancers.​

• Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): Causes oral and genital herpes. Once infected, the virus remains in the body, leading to periodic outbreaks.​

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): Attacks the immune system and can lead to AIDS if not managed. Early diagnosis and treatment can help individuals live long, healthy lives.

How Much Is STD/STI Testing?

STD/STI testing can cost anywhere from free to several hundred dollars, depending on where you go and what tests you need.

Many clinics, like Choices, offer free testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea.

In other places, costs vary based on insurance, the number of tests, and if extra services like counseling are included. It’s important to get tested because many STDs don't show symptoms but can still cause long-term health problems if untreated.

How Can I Prevent STD/STIs?

Testing before sex greatly lowers your risk of getting an STD/STI, but it cannot guarantee complete protection.

Even the best STD/STI tests have "window periods" — times when someone might be newly infected but still test negative. Some infections, like herpes and HPV, can also be hard to detect without special tests.

While using condoms or washing after sex might seem protective, they cannot fully prevent the spread of many STD/STIs, especially those spread by skin-to-skin contact.

Testing is important and responsible, but the only way to fully avoid STD/STIs is through abstinence or a lifelong, faithful relationship with an uninfected partner.

Can You Cure an STD/STIs without Going to the Doctor?

No, you cannot safely cure an STD/STI without seeing a doctor.

How are STD/STIs Transmitted?

STD/STIs, also called venereal diseases, are passed from one person to another through sexual contact.

This includes vaginal, oral, and anal sex, and in some cases, even close skin-to-skin contact. Some STD/STIs, like HIV and syphilis, can also be passed through blood, shared needles, or from a mother to her baby during birth. Many infections spread even when there are no signs or symptoms, which is why testing and prevention are so important.

Can You Get an STD/STI From Oral Sex?

Yes, you can get an STD/STI from oral sex.

Infections like herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, HPV, and even HIV can be spread through oral contact with the genitals or anus. Even if a person has no visible symptoms, they can still pass on an infection. Using protection like condoms or dental dams can lower the risk, but it does not remove it completely. That’s why it’s important to be careful and get tested regularly if you are sexually active.

Can You Get an STD/STI from Kissing?

Yes, some STD/STIs can be passed through kissing, but it is less common.

Infections like herpes (HSV-1) are the most likely to spread through kissing, especially if one person has cold sores. Other STD/STIs, like syphilis, can also be passed through open sores in the mouth, but this is rare. Most STD/STIs are spread through sexual contact rather than kissing alone, but it’s still possible when there are cuts, sores, or infections in the mouth.

Can You Catch an STD/STI from a Toilet Seat?

No, you cannot catch an STD/STI from a toilet seat.

STD/STIs are spread through direct sexual contact, not from touching objects like toilet seats. The germs that cause STD/STIs cannot survive long on surfaces outside the human body. It’s important to practice good hygiene, but you don’t need to worry about catching an STD/STI this way.

Is Bacterial Vaginosis an STD/STI?

No, bacterial vaginosis (BV) is not an STD/STI, but it is linked to sexual activity.

BV happens when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina gets upset, which can be influenced by things like having new or multiple sexual partners. However, you can get BV without having sex at all. While BV itself isn't considered an STD/STI, having it can make it easier to get other infections, so it’s important to get checked and treated if needed.

Is Herpes 1 an STD/STI?

Herpes type 1 (HSV-1) is usually not considered an STD/STI, but it can be spread through sexual contact.

HSV-1 most often causes cold sores around the mouth and is usually passed through kissing or sharing personal items. However, it can also spread to the genitals through oral sex, where it acts like a sexually transmitted infection. Many people have HSV-1 and may not even know it because symptoms can be mild or not show at all.

What is "The Clap"?

"The Clap" is a slang term for gonorrhea, a common sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Gonorrhea is caused by bacteria and can infect the reproductive tract, throat, rectum, and eyes. It often causes painful urination and unusual discharge, but sometimes people have no symptoms at all. Without treatment, gonorrhea can cause serious health problems, including infertility. It can usually be cured with antibiotics if caught early.

What do "Crabs" Look Like?

"Crabs" are tiny lice that live in pubic hair and look like small, grayish or brownish insects about the size of a pinhead.

They are often called pubic lice and can sometimes be seen moving in the hair or attached to the skin. Their bites can cause itching, redness, and small blue spots where they feed. Crabs spread through close physical contact, including sexual activity, and can be treated with special shampoos or lotions.