If you have sex — oral, anal or vaginal intercourse and genital touching — you can get an STI also called a sexually transmitted infection. Whether you are straight or gay, married or single, you're vulnerable to STIs and STI symptoms. Thinking or hoping your partner doesn't have an STI is no protection — you need to know for sure.
Sexually transmitted infections are infections that you can get from having sex with someone who has this disease. The causes of STIs are bacteria, parasites and viruses. There are more than 20 types of STIs, including
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Genital herpes
- HIV/AIDS
- HPV
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
Most STIs affect both men and women, but in many cases the health problems they cause can be more severe for women. For example, if a pregnant woman has an STI, it can cause serious health problems for the baby.