What are they?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that you can get from having sex with someone who has the infection. The causes of STIs are bacteria, parasites and viruses. There are more than 20 types of STIs, including
Most STIs affect both men and women, but in many cases the health problems they cause can be more severe for women. If a pregnant woman has an STI, it can cause serious health problems for the baby.
If you have an STI caused by bacteria or parasites, your health care provider can treat it with antibiotics or other medicines. If you have an STI caused by a virus, there is no cure. Sometimes medicines can keep the disease under control. Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading STIs.
Most STIs affect both men and women, but in many cases the health problems they cause can be more severe for women. If a pregnant woman has an STI, it can cause serious health problems for the baby.
If you have an STI caused by bacteria or parasites, your health care provider can treat it with antibiotics or other medicines. If you have an STI caused by a virus, there is no cure. Sometimes medicines can keep the disease under control. Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading STIs.