Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – also referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) – are those spread by sexual contact. They may also be spread from a pregnant woman to her fetus before or during delivery.
Exposure to an STI can occur anytime a person has sex or close contact that involves the genitals, mouth or rectum with another person.
STIs include:
- Chlamydia
- Genital herpes
- Genital warts
- Gonorrhea
- Hepatitis B
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Other infections that may be sexually transmitted, including hepatitis C, cytomegalovirus, scabies and pubic lice.
If you think that you have been exposed to an STI, it is important to be evaluated promptly by a health professional. This will help prevent serious health problems for yourself and reduce the risk of transmitting the infection to others.