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Sexually Transmitted Infections – Prevention and Treatment

Practicing safe sex helps you have a happy and healthy sex life. It will protect you and your sexual partners from sexually transmitted infections (STI). STI are diseases that are passed from one person to another through sexual activity and intimate physical contact. STI are common and don’t always cause symptoms, so it is possible to have an STI and not know it. If you get an STI and it is not treated, it can be harmful to your health. 

Learn more about STI. 

STI prevention

Follow these six steps to stay safe and protect you and your sexual partners from STI:

1. Get tested regularly for STI 

It is important to get tested for STI if you have any intimate physical contact with someone whose sexual past you are unsure of. 
Ask your primary care provider (PCP) if you should be tested for STI and which ones you should get tested for. Use these tips to start the conversation. If you aren’t comfortable asking your PCP about STI, these clinics offer confidential testing at no cost to you:

2. Use a condom 

Using a condom correctly every time you have sex can prevent STI. You can get condoms at no cost by mail anonymously or at these places in the Bay Area:

3. Talk with your partner(s) about their sexual past and STI before having sex

Talking openly with your partner(s) can help you stay safe when having sex. Use these tips to start the conversation. 

4. Get the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine 

HPV is the most common STI. It can cause health problems like genital warts and some cancers. The HPV vaccine is safe and can help you avoid health problems caused by HPV. Ask your PCP about getting the vaccine today.

5. Consider taking PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis)

PrEP is a medicine that can lower your chances of getting HIV. It might be right for you if you:

  • Don’t know if your partner(s) have HIV.
  • Have a sexual partner who has HIV.
  • Have been diagnosed with an STI in the past six months.
  • Don’t always use a condom.
  • Inject drugs and share needles

Talking with your partner(s) about their sexual past before having sex will help you make an informed choice about PrEP. If you think PrEP might be right for you, ask your PCP about getting it. 

Learn more about PrEP.

6. Take PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) if you think you have been exposed to HIV 

PEP is a medicine that can prevent HIV infection if it is taken within three days of possible exposure. If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, tell your PCP right away. They can help you decide if PEP is right for you. 

Learn more about PEP.

STI treatment

Some STI can go away fully with treatment. Others may never fully go away even with treatment, but they can be managed and treated to lessen the chance of spreading them to others. Treatment may include antibiotics or other medicines. Make sure to complete all of the treatment your PCP advises. They may tell you to get another STI test after treatment.