FAQs

What is a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?

A Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), sometimes called a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD), is a pathogen* most commonly spread during vaginal, anal, and oral sex. STIs are common—especially among young people—and include infections such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It is important to remember that anyone who is sexually active can get an STI and that some infections, such as Syphilis, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV), are spread via skin-to-skin contact.

*Pathogen: an infectious agent that can cause disease (e.g., virus, bacteria, or parasite).

Can sexually transmitted infections be cured?

Bacterial infections, such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis, can be cured via prescribed antibiotics. It is important that all infected or exposed sex partners are treated before resuming sexual relations. Otherwise, the cycle of infection will continue.

Viral infections, on the other hand, are treatable, though not curable. While there is vaccination available to prevent Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Human Papillomavirus (HPV)—and while the immune system can often remove these two infections on its own—there is currently no medical cure for HBV or HPV.

As for Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), these sexually transmitted infections are considered incurable (i.e., unable to be cured). It is important to know that antiviral and antiretroviral medications are available to treat people living with HSV or HIV, respectively.

How would I know if I have an STI?

In many cases, sexually transmitted infections are asymptomatic, which means that they do not show signs or symptoms of infection. For this reason, the only sure way to know if you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) is to get tested. Talk to your medical provider about your personal risk for sexually transmitted infections.

Generally, it is recommended that you get screened for sexually transmitted infections if you:

• Are experiencing signs or symptoms of an STI
• Gained a new sex partner since your last STI screening
• Have more than one sex partner
• Have a sex partner who has more than one sex partner

For a list of sites that provide STD testing and treatment services, visit https://alameda.dontthinkknow.org/testing-and-treatment-centers

List of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis. Infection often causes no symptoms and, if not treated, can lead to serious reproductive health problems such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility. Chlamydia also can cause infections in newborn babies. Tests and effective treatments are available.

Source: California Department of Public Health, Sexually Transmitted Diseases Control Branch (Chlamydia)

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a bacterium called Neisseria Gonorrhoeae. If left untreated, infection can lead to serious reproductive health problems, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility. Gonorrhea also can cause infections in newborn babies. Tests and effective treatments are available.

Disseminated Gonococcal Infection (DGI)

Disseminated Gonococcal Infection, or DGI, is an uncommon, but severe, complication of untreated gonorrhea. DGI occurs when the sexually transmitted pathogen Neisseria Gonorrhoeae invades the bloodstream and spreads to distant sites in the body, leading to clinical manifestations such as septic arthritis, polyarthralgia, tenosynovitis, petechial/pustular skin lesions, bacteremia, or, on rare occasions, endocarditis or meningitis.

Source: California Department of Public Health, Sexually Transmitted Diseases Control Branch (Gonorrhea)

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

Genital Herpes—caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2)—is a common sexually transmitted infection that any sexually active person can get. Most people with HSV do not know they are infected. This lifelong infection can cause painful blisters and lead to infections in newborn babies. There is no cure for HSV, but medication is available to reduce symptoms and reduce the chance of spreading herpes to a sex partner.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of STD Prevention (HSV)

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)

Hepatitis B is a vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B Virus(HBV). Hepatitis B is spread when blood, semen, or other body fluids from a person infected with the virus enter the body of someone who is not infected. For many people, Hepatitis B is a short-term illness. For others, it can become a long-term, chronic infection that can lead to serious or even life-threatening health issues like cirrhosis (scarring), liver cancer, liver failure, and death.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Viral Hepatitis (HBV)

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. HPV is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus. Most people who become infected with HPV will not have any symptoms and will clear the infection on their own. Nevertheless, when HPV infections persist, they can lead to abnormal cervical screening tests, genital warts, or cancer.

There are many different strains of HPV, which are classified into two main groups: high-risk and low-risk. High-risk HPV can cause cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, and throat. Low-risk HPV can cause genital and anal warts. Some health effects caused by HPV can be prevented by the HPV vaccines.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of STD Prevention (HPV)

Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema Pallidum. Untreated infection can lead to long-term health problems, including brain disease. Syphilis increases both transmission and acquisition of HIV. Tests and treatment are available.

Congenital Syphilis

Congenital syphilis is an infection transmitted from a pregnant person to a child during pregnancy and/or delivery caused by the bacterium Treponema Pallidum. Congenital syphilis can cause severe illness in infants, including premature birth, low birth weight, birth defects, blindness, and hearing loss. It can also lead to stillbirth and infant death. Tests and treatment for pregnant people are readily available.

Source: California Department of Public Health, Sexually Transmitted Diseases Control Branch

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). There is currently no cure for HIV, but with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. People living with HIV who get effective HIV treatment can live long, healthy lives.

For more information about HIV/AIDS—including testing, prevention, and linkage to care—visit Alameda County Offices of HIV Care and Prevention.