Protection Provider

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) – also known as Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) – are passed from one person to another through sexual activity including vaginal, oral, and anal sex. Many STDs do not present any symptoms at all, so it is possible to have an STD and not even know.

All STDs are preventable, so it is important to protect yourself and your partner(s) if you’re having sex.

STD rates are up across WA state and nationally among persons aged 15-24:

• 14% increase in Chlamydia since 2014
• 65% increase in Gonorrhea since 2014
• 71% increase in Syphilis since 2014 (WA State Dept of Health)

Below is brief information on the most common STDs, but not an extensive list of all possible sexually transmitted infections.

Chlamydia: is the most commonly reported STD in the United States; affecting females age 20-24 the greatest. Most chlamydia is asymptomatic (no symptoms), but if left untreated can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. Urine test is often used to test for chlamydia and treated with a prescription antibiotic. It can be prevented with proper and consistent use of barrier devices.

Gonorrhea: is transmitted through sexual contact with penis, vagina, mouth or anus of an infected partner. Ejaculation does not have to occur for gonorrhea to be acquired. Gonorrhea is often asymptomatic (no symptoms), but if left untreated can cause infertility in women and men and spread to other parts of the body. Urine test if often used to test for gonorrhea and treated with a prescription antibiotic. It can be prevented with proper and consistent use of barrier devices.

Herpes: Genital herpes is a common STD that any sexually active person can get. Most people don’t have symptoms but can still spread to their sexual partners. It is also possible to get genital herpes if you receive oral sex from a partner who has oral herpes. There is no cure for herpes, but medications can help prevent or shorter outbreaks. It can be prevented with proper and consistent use of barrier devices.

HIV/AIDS: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) destroys the important cells in the human body that help fight disease and infection. HIV is spread through sexual contact, sharing needles to inject drugs, and mother to baby during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding. AIDS is the most severe phase of HIV infection. Currently there is no cure for HIV or AIDS, but medication has advanced and can help people with the virus live longer. It can be prevented with proper and consistent use of barrier devices.

HPV: there are many different types of HPV, some can cause health problems such as warts and cancer. HPV is spread through vaginal, anal or oral sex even when an infected person shows no signs or symptoms. There are currently vaccines to help reduce the risk of acquiring HPV, but there is no cure for HPV. It can be prevented with proper and consistent use of barrier devices.

Syphilis: is caused by direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal or oral sex and can cause serious health problems if left untreated. Syphilis is divided into stages, many of which do not have typical STD type symptoms, and can include symptoms such as painless sores, skin rash, swollen lymph nodes and fever. A blood test is used to test for syphilis and can be treated with prescription antibiotics in the early stages. It can be prevented with proper and consistent use of barrier devices.

For more information about sexually transmitted infections and symptoms click here 

For more information about STD testing for EWU students click here