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1,000,000

Sexually Transmitted infections (STIs) are Acquired Worldwide Every Day

Been exposed? Call the Arizona STI Hotline! 844-2-END-STI

What are STIs?

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is a virus, bacteria, fungus, or parasite passed from person to person through sexual contact – such as oral, vaginal, or anal sex. STIs can also spread through intimate physical contact like heavy petting, but this is not common.

Many STIs are asymptomatic – meaning there are no signs or symptoms – so you may have an sexually transmitted infection, but not know it.

The terms STI and STD are sometimes used interchangeably. A sexually transmitted disease (STD) develops because of an STI, and the term implies that the infection has led to some symptom of disease.

STIs are preventable and most are treatable. The sooner you get tested, the sooner you can take action to protect your sexual health and the health of your partner(s).

Common Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs):

  • HIV
  • Herpes
  • Syphilis
  • Gonorrhea
  • Chlamydia
  • Pubic Lice
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Hepatitis C

What is HIV?

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the human body’s immune system by destroying important cells that fight disease and infection. Left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

There is currently no effective cure for HIV. Once a person is HIV positive, they have it for life. However with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. With effective HIV treatment, persons with HIV can live long, healthy lives, and protect their partners from HIV infection.

HIV is spread from:

  • Blood
  • Breast milk
  • Semen
  • Rectal fluids
  • Vaginal fluids

How Can I Protect Myself?

Get Tested Regularly, At Least Once a Year

Getting tested regularly provides the best opportunity for the most effective STI treatment, complication prevention, and decreases the opportunity of spread to your sexual partner(s).

Pre-Exposure & Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Medications

You may also want to take advantage of HIV prevention medicines such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). More recently, DoxyPEP – a post-exposure prophylaxis intervention for bacterial STIs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis – has also become publicly available as well.

Pre-Exposure

PrEP

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) are prescription medicines taken before HIV exposure that reduce your risk of getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV.

There are two pills approved for use as PrEP: Truvada® and Descovy®. Apreture® is the only injectable medication approved for use as PrEP.

Under the Affordable Care Act, PrEP must be free under almost all health insurance plans. Which means your insurance will likely cover your PrEP medication, the clinic visits, and/or lab tests needed to maintain your prescription.

Post-Exposure

DoxyPEP

Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) means taking the antibiotic doxycycline after sex, to prevent getting a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI). Basically, it’s a morning-after pill for bacterial STIs.

Studies have shown that taking DoxyPEP reduces your chance of getting syphilis and chlamydia by about two-thirds.

Doxycycline should ideally be taken within 24 hours, but no later than 72 hours after condomless sex.

Post-Exposure

PEP

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) means taking medicine to prevent HIV after a possible exposure.

If you think you’ve recently been exposed to HIV:

  • During sex (for example, if the condom broke),
  • Through sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment to inject drugs (for example, cookers), or
  • If you’ve been sexually assaulted.

Within 72 hours: talk to your health care provider, an emergency room doctor, or an urgent care provider about PEP. The sooner you start PEP, the better. Every hour counts.

If prescribed PEP, you’ll need to take it daily for 28 days.

Use a Condom Every Time You Have Sex

Using a condom correctly and consistently every time you have sex is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of getting many STIs, including HIV. Other effective ways to protect yourself include choosing lower risk sexual activities (such as just kissing, touching, or massages) or abstinence (not having sex).

Been exposed? Call the Arizona STI Hotline!

Contact our helpful sexual health care providers to get STI testing and treatment right away.

844-2-END-STI

Not in Arizona? Find STI testing nationwide.