ABOUT

Two types of infections affect the reproductive organs:  

• Ones that are not passed on through sex
• Ones that are passed on through sex (STIs) 

If you suspect an infection, come to Tapestry Health for an exam. Left untreated, it could develop into a serious complication, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, urethritis, or cervicitis. We will talk with you about treatment options and address any questions or concerns.

NON-SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS

Some infections are not contracted sexually. Since they can carry symptoms similar to those of STIs, please seek professional help rather than try to diagnose yourself.

For women, conditions include bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection, and urinary tract infection. For men, they include jock itch and urinary tract infection.

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS

STIs can spread through several different ways:

• Sexual intercourse, or any other intimate contact involving the penis, vagina, anus, or mouth
• Skin-to-skin contact during sex
• Sharing of hypodermic needles for injection drug use, tattooing, body piercing, acupuncture, shaving, etc.
• From an infected woman to her baby before, during, or immediately after childbirth

The key to treating any STI is to catch it early and get treatment immediately. Without treatment, you could get sick or spread it to others, as well as increase your risk for HIV.

Click on a link below to learn about a specific virus or bacteria that can spread through sexual contact:

Chancroid	Genital Herpes	Hepatitis B	Human Papillomavirus	Scabies
Chlamydia	Giardiasis	Hepatitis C	Molluscum Contagiosum	Syphilis
Cytomegalovirus	Gonorrhea	HIV/AIDS	Pubic Lice	Trichomoniasis

Since some STIs often do not exhibit symptoms, particularly gonorrhea and chlamydia, please get screened every time after you have had a new sexual partner to ensure that you are healthy. Tell your partner(s) if you have a STI in case they also have it. A partner could give it to you again if you are treated but he or she is not.

PREVENTION

Abstinence from sex is the only way to ensure protection against HIV/AIDS and other STIs, or you can have sex with a single partner who you know is free of infection. If you do have sex, use a barrier method, such as a male condom or female condom, every time for protection. Our clinicians recommend using barriers in combination with other methods of birth control to strengthen your protection.