What Are STIs? — Arkansas Recovery & STI Hub

Key Things to Know

STIs are common.
Many STIs can be treated.
Many people have no symptoms.
Some STIs can be cured.
Anyone who is sexually active can get an STI.
Early treatment helps protect your health.
Testing is the only way to know for sure if you have an STI.

Recent exposure? Act now.

STI or STD?

You may also hear the term STD (sexually transmitted disease). The terms are often used interchangeably. An STI is an infection; an STD means an infection has caused disease or symptoms. Whether it can be cured depends on the infection, not the term. Some infections also spread through blood or from parent to baby. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a related condition caused by an imbalance of vaginal bacteria, rather than a typical STI. CDC: STI or STD?

Nearly 1 in 2 new STIs affect young people.

People ages 15–24 accounted for an estimated 45.5% of new STIs in the U.S. in 2018. Testing and treatment matter at every age. CDC estimates (2018).

When to Get Tested

You have symptoms
You have a new sexual partner
Your partner has an STI
You had sex without protection
You have more than one partner
A provider recommends testing

Common Types of STIs

Grouped by what treatment can do. Some infections can be cured; others need ongoing care or treatment for the problems they cause.

Curable

Chlamydia

One of the most common STIs. Often has no symptoms. Easily cured with antibiotics.

Curable

Gonorrhea

Common bacterial infection. May cause discharge or pain. Treated with antibiotics.

Curable

Syphilis

Starts with painless sores. Can cause serious problems if untreated. Curable with antibiotics.

Curable

Hepatitis C

Affects the liver. It spreads mainly through blood, often shared injection equipment. Sexual transmission is less common but can occur. Curable with 8–12 weeks of medication.

Curable

Treatable

HIV

Affects the immune system. Not curable, but very treatable. People with HIV can live long, healthy lives with medication.

Treatable

Herpes (HSV)

Causes sores or blisters. Not curable, but medication can prevent outbreaks and reduce transmission.

Treatable

HPV

A common virus that can cause genital warts and some cancers. It can be managed, and vaccines can help prevent it.

Treatable

Treatable vs. curable: Treatable means care can control an infection or the problems it causes. Curable means treatment can clear the infection. Antibiotics cure some infections; antivirals can cure hepatitis C. HIV and herpes are not curable, but medicines help. HPV often clears on its own; its related health problems can be treated.

Printable guide: STIs at a Glance (BC Centre for Disease Control, PDF) Printable chart: STI Information & Prevention (Coos Health & Wellness, PDF)

It’s always okay to get tested.

If you think you might have an STI, it is always okay to get tested. Testing helps you take care of yourself and others.

Find testing near you

How Often Should I Get Tested?

Make testing part of your preventive care. There is no single schedule for every STI or every person. See CDC testing recommendations.

Your testing planDepends on your situationAge, pregnancy, the kinds of sex you have, and past exposures help a provider choose your tests and schedule.

Annual or more oftenFor people who need regular screeningSome people need yearly tests; ongoing risk may call for testing every 3–6 months. Ask which recommendation applies to you.

Still worth itIf you use condomsCondoms work to protect against STIs and unplanned pregnancy — but incorrect use raises your risk. When unsure, get tested.

Remember window periods

A “window period” is the time between when someone is exposed to an infection and when it can reliably be detected on a test. Some tests are more sensitive and can detect an infection sooner; this depends on the infection and test type.

An early negative result may need repeating. For HIV, a laboratory antigen/antibody test usually detects infection 18–45 days after exposure; some other tests can take up to 90 days. Your provider can choose the right test and timing for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, or gonorrhea. CDC HIV test window periods.

How STIs Spread

STIs spread through contact with infected body fluids or skin during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Some can also spread through:

Sharing needlesHIV and hepatitis C can spread through shared needles or drug equipment.
Pregnancy and childbirthSome STIs can pass from mother to baby during pregnancy or delivery. That’s why testing during pregnancy is so important.
Skin-to-skin contactSome STIs like herpes and HPV can spread through skin contact in the genital area, even without penetration.

Infection	How it passes from person to person
Chlamydia	Vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
Gonorrhea	Vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
Syphilis	Contact with a syphilis sore during sex.
HIV	Certain body fluids, shared needles, and from parent to baby.
Herpes	Skin-to-skin contact with an infected area.
HPV	Close skin-to-skin sexual contact.
Hepatitis C	Mainly blood, including shared injection equipment. Sexual transmission is less common but can occur.

You cannot get STIs from casual contact. Hugging, holding hands, sharing food, or sharing a toilet seat will not pass an STI. They only spread through specific types of contact.

Talking about STIs with partners and family

Telling a partner you have an STI — or that they should get tested — can feel hard. A few simple steps make it easier, and it protects both of you.

Pick a calm, private moment.Choose a time when you both can talk without a rush. Telling a partner early helps them get tested and treated sooner.
Keep it simple and factual.You can say you got tested, what the result was, and that you wanted them to know so they can get checked too.
Partners should get tested too.For curable STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis, partners need testing and treatment so you don’t pass the infection back and forth.
Some STIs need an ongoing conversation.For lifelong infections like HIV or herpes, you and your partner can talk with a provider about medicine and ways to lower the chance of passing it on.
You don’t have to do it alone.Clinic and health-unit staff can help you tell partners, and in many cases can notify them for you without using your name.

Want word-for-word scripts — including what to say to future or past partners, and how to handle tough reactions? See the full How to Talk About It guide.

Substance Use & Your Sexual Health

Using drugs or alcohol can raise your risk of getting an STI, and not only through needles. Knowing how they connect helps you protect yourself.

It can be harder to stay protected.When you’re high or drunk, it’s easier to skip protection, have more partners, or end up in unplanned situations, all of which raise STI risk.
Sharing needles or equipment.HIV and hepatitis C can pass through shared needles, syringes, or drug equipment — even a trace of blood.
Make care easier to reach.Stigma, unstable housing, or transport problems can make testing and treatment harder to get. A health unit or treatment program can help you plan care for both.

Find support for both

You can get help for substance use and sexual health together. Find substance use treatment at FindTreatment.gov or call the SAMHSA Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about STIs, testing, and privacy.

Will my test results be private?

Your results are protected by privacy rules, but confidentiality has limits. Your care team may use them for care, and some information must be reported to public health. Insurance billing can also reveal a visit. Ask the clinic who can see your results and whether anonymous HIV testing is available. Learn about health-information privacy.

Does getting tested hurt?

Most STI tests are quick and painless. Many only require a urine sample or a simple swab. Some tests use a small blood sample, which feels like a quick pinch.

What if I test positive for an STI?

A positive result is not the end of the world. Many STIs can be cured; others need ongoing care or treatment for the problems they cause. Your provider will walk you through treatment, follow-up care, and how to talk to partners. For tips, see Talking about STIs with partners and family above.

Will people judge me for getting tested?

Getting tested is a normal, responsible part of taking care of your health—nothing to be ashamed of. Testing staff are trained to be supportive and non-judgmental.

How much does testing cost?

Many Arkansas health units offer free, confidential STI testing, and you don’t need insurance. Costs can vary by location, so it’s worth asking when you book or check in.

Can I get an STI if I only had sex once?

Yes. It only takes one encounter to be exposed to an STI. If you’ve had any sexual contact, getting tested is a good idea.

Do I need my parent’s permission to get tested?

In Arkansas, minors who believe they have an STI can consent to care without parental permission. Privacy has limits, including possible physician disclosure to a parent or guardian. Ask the clinic before your visit, and see our Youth page.

How long after sex should I wait to get tested?

If you may have been exposed to HIV in the past 72 hours, contact a healthcare provider, urgent care, or an emergency department now about PEP. The sooner it starts, the better. Do not wait for symptoms or a later test. Learn about HIV PEP. Otherwise, contact a provider now if you have symptoms or a known exposure. An early negative result may need repeating; timing depends on the infection and the test.

Can I have an STI with no symptoms?

Yes. Many STIs cause no symptoms. Testing can find infections that need treatment, even when you feel well. Ask a healthcare provider which tests and testing schedule are right for you.

Can I get an STI from oral sex?

Yes. Giving or receiving oral sex can spread infections such as gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and chlamydia. Tell your provider about oral sex so you can discuss whether a throat swab or other tests are needed.

Can I get an STI from a public toilet seat?

No. You do not get genital STIs from using a public toilet seat. These infections spread through specific sexual contact, contact with an infected area, or blood exposure, depending on the infection.

Should I get tested if I have no symptoms?

Testing can be useful even without symptoms, but the right tests depend on your situation. Routine herpes blood screening is not recommended for everyone because false results can occur. A provider may recommend it in certain cases, such as when a partner has genital herpes. Active sores can be swabbed. CDC herpes testing guidance.

Do standard physicals include STI testing?

Not always. Ask which infections you are being tested for and which samples you need. There is no single test that checks for every STI. Blood and urine tests may be part of the visit; throat or rectal swabs may be needed after oral or anal exposure. Herpes testing and cervical HPV screening have separate indications.

Can I get an STI more than once?

Yes. You can get infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and hepatitis C again after treatment. Other infections, such as herpes and HIV, remain in the body. Completing treatment, caring for partners, and following your testing plan help protect your health.

Are condoms 100% effective?

No. Correct, consistent condom use greatly reduces the risk of HIV and many STIs, but does not eliminate it. Infections such as herpes, HPV, and syphilis can spread from skin a condom does not cover. Use a new, correctly fitting condom each time, check its expiry date, and keep it away from extreme temperatures. Vaccines, PrEP, and, for some people, doxy PEP can add protection against specific infections; ask a provider what is right for you. Other birth control methods prevent pregnancy, not STIs.

Can STIs be cured?

Some STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis, can be cured with the right medicine. Hepatitis C is usually curable with antiviral treatment. HIV and herpes have no cure, but medicines can help people stay well and reduce transmission. HPV often clears on its own; treatment addresses warts or other problems it causes. Take all medicine exactly as prescribed and return if symptoms persist.

My partner gave a urine sample for a chlamydia test and got results the same day. Is that normal?

It can be. Some point-of-care chlamydia and gonorrhea tests give results during the visit, while tests sent to a laboratory often take a few days. Timing alone does not tell you whether a result is reliable. Ask which test was used and whether the exposure was recent enough to need a repeat test.

I have a growth on my genitals that isn’t painful. Is it an STI?

A painless growth or sore can have several causes, including an STI. Arrange an examination with a healthcare provider; do not wait for a full panel of test results first. The provider can examine the area and choose the right tests. A negative blood or urine test does not rule out every cause.

I’m cramping but I’m not on my period. Could this be an STI?

Pelvic or lower-abdominal pain can have several causes, including an infection. Contact a healthcare provider for assessment rather than waiting for STI test results. Severe pain, fever, fainting, or pain during a possible pregnancy needs urgent medical care.