Sexual Health
What are Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)?
STIs are passed from one person to another through sexual activity including vaginal, oral, and anal sex.
STIs vs STDs
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)- Infections that have not yet developed into diseases. Nonsexual activities in which bodily fluids are exchanged can also transmit STIs. For example, people who share needles can infect each other with HIV.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)- Diseases that result from STIs, and therefore suggest a more serious problem. All STDs start as STIs.
Some STIs never become STDs. For example, most HPV cases go away on their own but if it doesn’t, it can lead to genital warts. This would make it a disease (STD).
STD Hotline
Contact us at 214-2NO-STDS or 214-266-7837 from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To learn more about getting care at Parkland, click here.
Ways to prevent STIs
- Abstinence (not having sex)
- Using condoms correctly
- Reducing your number of sexual partners
- Vaccination to prevent hepatitis B and HPV
- PrEP for HIV prevention
Talk with your partner
Talk with your sex partner(s) about STIs and staying safe before having sex. It might be uncomfortable to start the conversation, but protecting your health is your responsibility.
If you test positive…
Getting an STI or STD is not the end! Many STIs are curable and all are treatable. If either you or your partner is infected with an STI that can be cured, both of you need to start treatment immediately to avoid getting re-infected.
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HIV Resources