Sexually Transmitted Infections: Symptoms, Testing & Treatment
More people have an STI than you think — many don't notice symptoms. That makes testing and quick treatment the smartest move you can make for your health and your partners.
Common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HPV, herpes, and HIV. Bacterial infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea usually respond well to antibiotics when treated early. Viral infections such as HPV and herpes need different care: vaccines can prevent some HPV strains, and antivirals help manage herpes and HIV.
Know the usual signs: unusual discharge, pain when peeing, sores or lumps, itching, and lower abdominal pain. Symptoms can show up within days or not at all for weeks — that’s why you shouldn't wait for symptoms to decide on testing.
Getting tested is straightforward. Most clinics offer urine tests, swabs, and blood tests. NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test) is the standard for chlamydia and gonorrhea because it's accurate and fast. HIV tests have different windows — modern antigen/antibody and RNA tests can detect infection earlier than older antibody-only tests.
What to do if a test is positive
If you test positive, follow your clinician’s treatment plan exactly. For bacterial STIs, take the full course of prescribed antibiotics and avoid sex until a clinician says it's safe. For viral infections, consistent antiviral use lowers symptoms and transmission risk. Notify recent sexual partners so they can get tested and treated too — your clinic can often help with confidential partner notification.
Prevention and smart choices
Use condoms consistently, get vaccinated for HPV and hepatitis B, and consider PrEP if you're at higher risk for HIV. Regular testing matters — aim for at least yearly screening if sexually active, more often if you have multiple partners or new partners. Limit alcohol or drugs during sex; they make safe choices harder.
If you're considering online pharmacies or telehealth for STI treatment, pick services that require a prescription, show clear contact details, and are registered in your country. Avoid sites that sell antibiotics or antivirals without asking medical questions. Read reviews, check registration, and keep receipts in case you need follow-up care.
Want specifics on tests and timing? NAAT swabs for chlamydia and gonorrhea can detect infection a few days after exposure but clinics usually recommend testing one to two weeks after exposure for reliable results. For HIV, modern fourth-generation antigen/antibody tests catch most infections by four weeks; RNA tests can detect infection even earlier. If you had a risky exposure, get medical advice right away — clinics can offer post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV within 72 hours. Write down exposure dates and partner info to help your clinician.
Seek urgent care if you have a high fever, severe pelvic pain, heavy vaginal bleeding, or signs of spreading infection. Pregnant people should get tested early and treated promptly — untreated STIs can harm the pregnancy and newborn.
Final tip: Testing is simple, usually quick, and often free or low-cost at sexual health clinics. Getting tested protects you and others. If you're unsure where to go, many clinics list walk-in hours and anonymous testing online. Get tested — don't guess.
