STI information for teens (1612)

Key points below

What is an STI?

An STI, or sexually transmitted infection, is an infection that anyone can get from sex. The sex can be oral (with the mouth), vaginal, or anal. The most common STIs tested for are:

Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Trichomoniasis
Genital herpes
Syphilis
HIV

Learn more about HIV

Learn more about STIs

Please let your doctor or nurse know if you have questions about STIs. If you do not have a doctor or nurse, you can call the Infectious Disease Clinic: 414-337-7080.

How do I get tested for an STI?

An STI can be tested through your blood, urine, or by swabbing the affected area: vagina, penis, anus, or throat.

I got tested for an STI. Now what?

Do not have sex until you know your results.
You may be started on treatment before the results are final.
You will be called with results to make a plan to treat the STI, if you have one.

Why is it important to get tested for an STI?

So you can get treated before it gets worse.
Prevent long-term problems from an STI.
It’s important so that you don’t give it to someone else.

How do I prevent an STI?

Practicing safe sex helps prevent STIs. Safe sex means:
using a condom, during all types of sex (oral, vaginal, anal).
not having sex with many different people.
telling people you are having sex with if you have an STI.
checking your body often for signs of STIs.
having regular visits with your provider.

Taking PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) when you don’t have HIV can help prevent it. PrEP can be a pill or a shot that a person without HIV can take to prevent the infection.

If you are interested in PrEP, you can talk to your doctor or nurse or call the Children’s Infectious Disease Clinic at 414-337-7080.

Learn more about PrEP

For more health and wellness information check out this resource: https://kidshealth.org/ChildrensWI/en/teens/std-odds.html?ref=search