How are STIs spread?

STIs or sexually transmitted infections can be spread in several ways.

STIs are usually spread through sex because the bacteria or viruses travel in semen, vaginal fluids, and blood. Saliva (or spit) can spread some STIs if you have a tiny cut in or around your mouth.

STIs can be spread through direct contact with an infected area.

Infected blood on needles and syringes can spread certain STIs.

Infected women can pass some STIs to their babies during pregnancy, at childbirth or during breastfeeding.

You can catch some STIs more than once. And, you can have more than one STI at a time.

If you are HIV positive and have another of the sexually transmitted infections, you increase your chances of GIVING HIV to your partner.

If you don't have HIV but have another sexually transmitted infection, you increase your chances of GETTING HIV from an HIV positive partner.

Many STIs are easily treated, but all can be dangerous if ignored.

To reduce the possibility of spreading STIs or reinfection, sexually activity should be postponed until treatment has been completed.

For some STIs, like HIV, there is no cure to date.

COULD THIS BE YOU?

"I can't get an infection or get pregnant the first time I have sex or if the guy doesn't ‘come' inside me."

DID YOU KNOW

Yes, you can. And sex doesn't have to be full intercourse.

You can catch an STI just by having really close genital contact with an infected partner. Infection can be spread by body fluids or by oral sex. Protect yourself and your partner by using a condom for any kind of sexual activity.

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