April 12-18, 2020 is National STD Awareness Week. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs, also known as sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are transmitted or passed person to person through unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex.  STIs can also be passed from mother to infant during pregnancy. 

You can’t tell if someone has an STI just by looking at them - many STIs don’t cause any symptoms.  Having an STI also increases your chances of getting HIV, and STIs can cause serious, even life-long, health problems if they are not treated.  Many STIs can be treated or cured with medication. Some STIs can’t be cured, but their symptoms can be managed with medication. 

For more information on STIs visit our Resources page.  If you think you may have an STI, or you may have been exposed to an STI, call your health care provider, your local health department, a community health center or use the services locator to find testing and treatment near you.

Please note: Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many sexual health care services may not be available, may be limited, or offices may be closed.  Call ahead to find out if, and where, sexual health services are available during the COVID-19 pandemic.