Let's talk about something important—but often uncomfortable: sexually transmitted infections, or STIs. At Crestwood General, we believe that honest, stigma-free information is the foundation of good health. STIs are common. Many are curable. All are preventable. And you deserve to know the facts—without judgment.

What Are STIs—and How Are They Different from STDs?

You may have heard both terms: STI (sexually transmitted infection) and STD (sexually transmitted disease). While often used interchangeably, there's a subtle difference:

STI refers to the presence of an infection, which may or may not cause symptoms
STD refers to an infection that has caused noticeable damage or disease

Most health professionals now use "STI" because many infections cause no symptoms but can still affect your health—or be passed to others.

STIs are spread through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Some can also pass through skin-to-skin contact in the genital area, or from mother to baby during pregnancy or birth.

Common STIs: What You Should Know

Chlamydia

Cause: Bacteria (Chlamydia trachomatis)
Symptoms: Often none; may include unusual discharge, burning during urination, or pelvic pain
Treatment: Curable with antibiotics
Why it matters: Untreated chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and affect fertility

Learn more: CDC Chlamydia Overview

Gonorrhea

Cause: Bacteria (Neisseria gonorrhoeae)
Symptoms: May include discharge, painful urination, or bleeding between periods—but many people have no symptoms
Treatment: Curable with antibiotics, though antibiotic resistance is a growing concern
Note: Due to medication supply challenges, the FDA has authorized temporary importation of alternative treatments. Healthcare providers can access updated guidance: CDC Gonorrhea Treatment Updates

Syphilis

Cause: Bacteria (Treponema pallidum)
Symptoms: Often starts with a painless sore; can progress to rash, fever, or serious complications if untreated
Treatment: Curable with penicillin-based antibiotics
Why it matters: Untreated syphilis can affect the heart, brain, and other organs—and can pass to babies during pregnancy

Learn more: CDC Syphilis Overview

Genital Herpes

Cause: Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2)
Symptoms: May include blisters, sores, itching, or flu-like feelings—but many people have mild or no symptoms
Treatment: Not curable, but antiviral medications can reduce outbreaks and transmission risk
Key fact: Herpes can spread even when no sores are visible

Trichomoniasis ("Trich")

Cause: A tiny parasite (Trichomonas vaginalis)
Symptoms: Itching, burning, unusual discharge, or discomfort during urination—but many have no symptoms
Treatment: Curable with prescription medication
Important: Both partners should be treated to prevent reinfection

Mycoplasma genitalium

Cause: Bacteria (Mycoplasma genitalium)
Symptoms: May include discharge, burning during urination, or pelvic pain
Treatment: Requires specific antibiotics; testing is not yet routine but is becoming more available
Why it matters: Can contribute to pelvic inflammatory disease if untreated

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Note: BV is not classified as an STI, but sexual activity can influence vaginal bacterial balance
Symptoms: Thin discharge, fish-like odor, itching, or burning
Treatment: Curable with antibiotics
Learn more: CDC Bacterial Vaginosis

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

What it is: An infection of the reproductive organs, often caused by untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea
Symptoms: Pelvic pain, fever, unusual discharge, or pain during sex
Treatment: Requires prompt antibiotic therapy
Why it matters: PID can cause chronic pain, ectopic pregnancy, or infertility if not treated early

How STIs Spread: The Facts

STIs spread through:
- Vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner
- Skin-to-skin contact in the genital area (for herpes, HPV, or syphilis sores)
- Sharing sex toys without cleaning or using a new condom
- From mother to baby during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding (for some infections)

STIs do NOT spread through:
- Hugging, kissing on the cheek, or casual touching
- Sharing toilets, towels, or utensils
- Swimming pools, hot tubs, or toilet seats
- Mosquitoes or other insects

Understanding how STIs spread helps you make informed choices—not fearful ones.

Prevention: Simple, Powerful Steps

You have more control than you might think. These evidence-based strategies can significantly reduce your risk:

Use Protection Consistently

Condoms (male or female) reduce the risk of most STIs when used correctly every time
Dental dams offer protection during oral sex
Remember: condoms protect against STIs; other birth control methods do not

Get Tested Regularly

Many STIs have no symptoms—you can feel fine and still have an infection
Testing is the only way to know your status
CDC recommends routine screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea in sexually active women under 25, and for others based on risk factors

Find testing locations: CDC GetTested

Talk Openly with Partners

Honest conversations about sexual health build trust and safety
Discuss testing history, protection preferences, and boundaries before becoming sexually active

Consider Vaccines

HPV vaccine: Protects against human papillomavirus, which can cause genital warts and several cancers. Recommended for preteens and young adults.
Hepatitis B vaccine: Prevents a virus that can spread through sex and affect the liver.

Learn about recommended vaccines: CDC Immunization Schedules

Limit Partners and Practice Mutual Monogamy

Having fewer sexual partners reduces exposure risk
Mutual monogamy with a tested partner is one of the most effective prevention strategies

Avoid Douching and Harsh Products

For vaginal health: douching can disrupt natural bacterial balance and increase infection risk
Your body is designed to clean itself—gentle external washing is enough

Testing: What to Expect and When to Go

Who Should Get Tested?

Sexually active women under 25: Annual screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea
Women 25+ with risk factors (new/multiple partners, STI history): Discuss screening with your provider
Men who have sex with men: More frequent screening for syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV
Pregnant people: Early screening for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, and chlamydia/gonorrhea if at risk
Anyone with symptoms or a partner diagnosed with an STI: Get tested right away

What Does Testing Involve?

Urine sample (for chlamydia/gonorrhea)
Swab of the throat, rectum, or genital area
Blood test (for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis)
Physical exam if sores or symptoms are present

Testing is quick, confidential, and often covered by insurance. At Crestwood General, we provide respectful, non-judgmental STI screening and care.

Treatment: Effective Care Is Available

Curable STIs

Bacterial and parasitic STIs—including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis—can be cured with the right antibiotics or antiparasitic medications.

Key tips for successful treatment:
- Take all medication exactly as prescribed
- Avoid sex until treatment is complete and symptoms resolve
- Ensure partners are tested and treated to prevent reinfection
- Return for follow-up testing if recommended

Manageable (Not Curable) STIs

Viral STIs like herpes and HPV cannot be cured, but they can be managed:
- Antiviral medications reduce herpes outbreaks and transmission risk
- Most HPV infections clear on their own; regular cervical screening catches changes early
- Vaccines prevent the most harmful types of HPV

Emerging Challenges: Antibiotic Resistance

Some bacteria, including gonorrhea, are becoming harder to treat due to antibiotic resistance. This is why:
- Completing prescribed treatment matters
- Partner treatment helps stop spread
- Ongoing research and updated guidelines are critical

CDC tracks resistance patterns and updates treatment recommendations: CDC STI Treatment Guidelines

STIs and Pregnancy: Protecting Two Lives

If you're pregnant or planning pregnancy, STI screening is especially important. Untreated infections can:
- Increase risk of preterm birth or low birth weight
- Pass to the baby during delivery, causing eye infections, pneumonia, or other complications
- Affect your own reproductive health long-term

The good news: Most STIs can be safely treated during pregnancy. Early prenatal care includes screening so you and your baby stay protected.

Breaking the Stigma: Your Health, Without Shame

Let's be clear: having an STI doesn't mean you've done anything wrong. STIs are common medical conditions—not moral failures. Millions of people experience them every year.

What matters isn't judgment—it's action:
- Getting tested
- Seeking treatment
- Protecting yourself and others
- Talking openly about sexual health

At Crestwood General, we provide compassionate, confidential care for all your sexual health needs. Your questions are welcome. Your privacy is protected. Your well-being is our priority.

Trusted Resources for More Information

CDC STI Main Page: https://www.cdc.gov/std/default.htm
CDC STI Treatment Guidelines: https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/default.htm
CDC GetTested – Find a Testing Location: https://gettested.cdc.gov/
Office on Women's Health – STI Information: https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/sexually-transmitted-infections
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID): https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds
FDA Updates on STI Medication Availability: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability

When to Reach Out to a Healthcare Provider

Contact a medical professional if:
- You notice unusual discharge, sores, pain, or itching in the genital area
- You have pain during sex or urination
- You've had unprotected sex or a partner diagnosed with an STI
- You're pregnant and have any concerns about sexual health
- You simply want to talk about prevention, testing, or your sexual health goals

At Crestwood General, we're here to listen, evaluate, and support you—with expertise, empathy, and zero judgment.

Your Health, Your Power

STIs are common—but they don't have to control your life. With knowledge, prevention, and timely care, you can protect your health and your future.

Get informed. Get tested. Get care. And remember: you deserve support that's both scientifically sound and deeply human.

At Crestwood General, we're honored to walk alongside you on that journey—with clarity, compassion, and unwavering respect for your health and your story.