What is a sexually transmitted infection?
Sexually transmitted infections are spread from one person to another during various kinds of sexual contact. They can be passed from one person to another even when they don’t cause symptoms, which is usually the case. It’s very common for people to use the terms “sexually transmitted diseases,” STDs,” sexually transmitted infections,” and STIs” to mean the same thing.
Sexually transmitted infections are very common — more than half of us will get one at some time in our lives. The good news is that we can protect ourselves and each other from them. Practicing safer sex can reduce your risk. If you’ve done anything that puts you at risk of infection, getting tested allows you to find out if you’re infected so you can get any treatments you may need. Find out if you should get tested for HIV, chlamydia, or gonorrhea, or any other STD with The Check.
Learn more about sexually transmitted diseases and infections.