Your guide to STI prevention, testing and treatment
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common, and many don't cause noticeable symptoms. Whether you're in a relationship, hooking up or not currently sexually active, knowing how STIs spread, how to lower your risk and when to get tested can help you take care of your sexual health.
Here are some things to know about STI prevention, testing and treatment.
What are STIs?
STIs are infections that can spread from one person to another through sexual contact, including oral, vaginal or anal sex and genital skin-to-skin contact. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites.
STIs are common. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 1 in 5 people in the U.S. has an STI.
Common STIs include:
HIV
Anyone who is sexually active can get an STI. Having an STI is common and isn't a reflection of someone's identity, relationships or number of sexual partners.
Can you have an STI without symptoms?
Yes. Many STIs don't cause noticeable symptoms, so you may not know that you or a partner has one without testing. You also can't tell whether someone has an STI by looking at them.
When symptoms do occur, they can vary depending on the infection. If you notice symptoms like unusual genital discharge, bleeding, sores, itching, burning or pain, contact a health care provider.
How can you lower your risk of getting an STI?
There are several ways to reduce your risk and take care of your sexual health.
Use condoms and other barriers
Condoms and dental dams can reduce the risk of many STIs when used correctly and consistently during oral, vaginal or anal sex. However, they don't completely eliminate the risk of STIs, including those that can spread through skin-to-skin contact.
Remember that birth control methods that prevent pregnancy don't necessarily protect against STIs.
If you use sex toys, follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning them before sharing them with another person. You can also use condoms with sex toys and change the condom before sharing.
One condom is enough. Using two condoms at once can create friction and make them more likely to break.
Get vaccinated
Vaccines can protect against some infections that can spread through sexual contact, including:
- Human papillomavirus (HPV): HPV is a common STI. Some types can cause genital warts, while others can lead to certain cancers.
- Hepatitis B (HBV): Hepatitis B is a liver infection that can cause short-term illness or long-term health problems.
Vaccines for HPV and hepatitis B are available to students through Medical Services.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): PrEP medications are medicines that you can take to reduce your risk of getting HIV.
Talk with your partners about sexual health
Talking about sexual health can help you and your partners make informed decisions together. Consider discussing STI testing, sexual history, protection and what safer-sex practices you're comfortable using.
When should you get tested for STIs?
Because STIs often don't cause symptoms, testing can be an important part of taking care of your sexual health. You can get tested for STIs even if you don’t have symptoms.
Which STI tests you need and how often you should get tested can depend on factors such as your age, sexual history, sexual practices and symptoms. A health care provider can help you decide which tests are right for you.
If you think you may have been exposed to an STI, contact a health care provider. Some infections may not show up on a test immediately, so a provider can help you determine when to test and whether you may need follow-up testing. Medical Services provides STI testing by appointment and through drop-in lab services.
If you're experiencing symptoms, contact a health care provider rather than waiting for routine testing.
What happens if you test positive for an STI?
If you test positive, a health care provider can talk with you about treatment and next steps. Many STIs can be cured with medication, while others can be treated or managed.
Your provider can also answer questions about when it's okay to have sex again and whether your sexual partners should get tested or treated.
STI testing and sexual health resources at CU Boulder
CU Boulder students have access to STI testing, sexual and reproductive health care and free safer-sex supplies.
Get STI testing
Medical Services provides STI testing by appointment and through drop-in lab services. Testing is available for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis as well as other STI tests based on symptoms or history
Pick up free safer-sex supplies
Get free condoms, dental dams, lube and other safer-sex supplies at various locations around campus:
- Figueroa Family Wellness Suite: Wardenburg Health Center room 331
- Village Center Wellness Suite: Village Center room 190
- Sexual and Reproductive Health: Wardenburg first-floor check-in area
Students living on campus can also order a Buff Box with free safer-sex supplies delivered to their residence hall in discreet packaging.
Get sexual and reproductive health care
Sexual and Reproductive Health at Medical Services provides STI testing, PrEP, birth control, long-acting reversible contraception, annual exams, emergency contraception, pregnancy testing and other services.
Get free HIV testing
The Boulder County AIDS Project (BCAP) offers free and confidential HIV testing at community locations in Boulder.