Sexually Transmitted Infections | Parkview Health

Conditions & Treatments

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.

What are the symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?

STI symptoms in women include:

Change in vaginal discharge
Pain, burning or itching while urinating
Vaginal spotting or bleeding after sexual intercourse
Pain during sexual intercourse
Pain or feeling of heaviness in the pelvis or lower stomach
Itching, tingling, burning or pain on or around the genitals
Sores, lumps, blisters, rashes or warts on or around the genitals or anus
Symptoms of an infection, such as fever and fatigue or lack of energy
Sores in the throat

How are sexually transmitted infections treated?

Treatment is available for all sexually transmitted infections, no matter what the cause, to relieve symptoms, even if a cure is not possible. Some, but not all, STIs are treated with antibiotics.

Some of the most common STIs – chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis – are caused by bacteria and are treated and cured with antibiotics.
STIs caused by viruses, such as genital herpes and genital warts, are not cured with antibiotics, but treatments are available to relieve symptoms.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), is a sexually transmitted virus that is treated with many medicines but does not have a cure.

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