STI for Teens

Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Information for Teens

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What is an STI? 

An STI, or sexually transmitted infection, is an infection that can be passed from one person to another during sex. Sex can be oral (mouth), vaginal, or anal.

The most common STIs that providers test for include:

  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Trichomoniasis
  • Genital herpes
  • Syphilis
  • HIV

If you have questions about STIs, talk with your provider or nurse. If you do not have a provider or nurse, you can call the Infectious Disease Clinic at 414-337-7080.

How Do I Get Tested For an STI?

STIs can be tested using a blood test, a urine test, or a swab. A swab may be taken from the vagina, penis, anus, or throat.

I Got Tested for an STI. Now What?

  • Do not have sex until you get your test results.
  • You may start treatment before the test results are final.
  • Someone will contact you with your results and talk with you about treatment, if needed.

Why is it Important to Get Tested for an STI?

  • So you can get treated before it gets worse.
  • To help prevent long-term health problems from an STI.
  • To help keep from passing the infection to someone else.

How Do I Prevent an STI?

Practicing safe sex is one of the best ways to  prevent STIs.

Safe sex includes:

  • Using a condom every time you have sex- this includes oral, vaginal, and anal sex.
  • Limiting the number of sexual partners.
  • Being open with your partners. Tell them if you have an STI.
  • Checking your body often for and signs or symptoms of an STI.
  • Seeing your healthcare provider regularly for check-ups and testing.

HIV Prevention

You can also help prevent HIV by taking PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) if you do not have HIV. PrEP may be taken as a pill or an injection. It reduces the risk of getting HIV when taken as prescribed.

If you are interested in PrEP, talk with your provider or nurse or call the Children’s PrEP Navigator at 414-530-2156.

To Learn More, Review These Kids Health Resources:

HIV and AIDS

HIV

STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases)

STD

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)

PrEP

Should I Worry About Getting an STD?

ALERT

Call your child’s provider, nurse, or clinic if you have any questions or concerns or if your child has special health care needs that were not covered by this information.

Draft Number: 1612Revision: October 21, 2025

This content was created to help you care for your child and/or family member. It does not take the place of medical care. Talk with your healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.