Written and medically reviewed by Dorcas Morak, Pharm.D
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections spread primarily through vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact. Millions of people in the United States are affected each year, making STIs an ongoing public health concern—even as reported cases for some infections have recently declined.
April is recognized as STI Awareness Month, a nationwide effort focused on education, routine testing, early treatment, and reducing stigma. Many STIs cause few or no symptoms, so awareness and preventive care play a critical role in protecting both individual and public health.
Most Common Sexually Transmitted Infections in the U.S.
Common STIs include:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- Genital herpes
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Trichomoniasis
- Hepatitis B
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Bacterial STIs are usually curable with antibiotics, while viral STIs cannot be cured but can be effectively managed with long-term treatment.
Common STI Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
Many STIs are asymptomatic, which is why they are often referred to as “silent” infections. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Unusual vaginal or penile discharge
- Burning or pain during urination
- Sores, blisters, or rashes in the genital or oral area
- Pelvic or testicular pain
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Itching or irritation
- Flu-like symptoms such as fever or fatigue
Symptoms vary depending on the infection, the stage of disease, and the individual.
Chlamydia Symptoms in Women and Men
Chlamydia frequently causes no noticeable symptoms. When present:
- Women may experience abnormal vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, or bleeding between periods
- Men may notice penile discharge, burning during urination, or testicular pain
Routine screening is recommended, especially for sexually active women under 25 and individuals with new or multiple partners.
Gonorrhea Symptoms and Why Early Treatment Matters
Gonorrhea symptoms may include thick discharge, painful urination, pelvic pain, or rectal discomfort. Oral exposure can cause a sore throat. Because antibiotic-resistant strains are increasing, prompt testing and proper treatment are especially important.
Syphilis Stages and Warning Signs
Syphilis develops in stages:
- Primary stage: painless sores (chancres)
- Secondary stage: rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes
- Late stages: potential damage to the heart, brain, and other organs
Untreated syphilis can also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy, making early diagnosis critical.
Genital Herpes Symptoms and Management
Genital herpes often causes painful blisters or ulcers, sometimes preceded by tingling or itching. While the infection remains lifelong, antiviral medications such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir can reduce outbreak frequency and lower the risk of transmission.
HPV Symptoms, Cancer Risk, and Prevention
HPV commonly causes no symptoms and often clears on its own. Some strains can cause genital warts, while others increase the risk of cervical and other cancers. Regular cervical screening and HPV vaccination are highly effective prevention tools.
Trichomoniasis Symptoms and Treatment
Trichomoniasis may cause frothy vaginal discharge, itching, or discomfort in women, while men are often asymptomatic. It is typically treated with antibiotics such as metronidazole or tinidazole
Early HIV Symptoms and Testing
Early HIV infection may resemble the flu, with symptoms such as fever, rash, sore throat, and fatigue. These symptoms often fade, but the virus remains active. Routine HIV testing is essential for early diagnosis and treatment.
Hepatitis B Symptoms and Long-Term Risks
Hepatitis B symptoms may include jaundice, fatigue, dark urine, and abdominal pain. Vaccination is the most effective prevention. For chronic infection, antiviral medications such as tenofovir or entecavir may help limit liver damage.
STI Testing: When, How, and Where to Get Tested
STI testing is recommended for anyone who is sexually active, especially those with new or multiple partners or those who are pregnant. Higher-risk individuals may benefit from annual or more frequent screening—even without symptoms.
Testing methods may include:
- Urine tests or swabs (chlamydia and gonorrhea)
- Blood tests (HIV and syphilis)
- Pap tests or HPV tests (cervical screening)
Testing is available through healthcare providers, community clinics, and public health centers—many of which offer low-cost or free services.
Treatment Options for Bacterial vs. Viral STIs
How Are Bacterial STIs Treated?
Bacterial STIs are typically cured with antibiotics. Common examples include:
- Chlamydia: doxycycline or azithromycin
- Gonorrhea: ceftriaxone
- Syphilis: penicillin G benzathine
- Trichomoniasis: metronidazole or tinidazole
Completing the full course of medication and ensuring sexual partners are treated helps prevent reinfection.
How Are Viral STIs Managed?
Viral STIs are managed with long-term antiviral therapy, such as:
- Genital herpes: acyclovir and valacyclovir
- HIV: combination antiretroviral therapy
- Hepatitis B: tenofovir or entecavir
These treatments reduce symptoms, lower transmission risk, and support long-term health.
How Is HPV Treated?
No medication cures HPV itself, but treatment focuses on managing the health problems HPV can cause. Many HPV infections clear on their own without treatment. When care is needed, treatment may include:
- Genital wart treatments:
- Cancer prevention and management:
- Regular cervical cancer screening (Pap tests and HPV testing) to detect precancerous changes early
- Treatment of abnormal cervical cells through procedures such as LEEP or cone biopsy, when indicated
While HPV cannot be cured, vaccination is highly effective at preventing infection with the most high-risk and wart-causing strains. Routine screening and early treatment of HPV-related conditions significantly reduce the risk of cancer.
Preventing STIs and Protecting Sexual Health
Effective prevention strategies include:
- Consistent condom use
- Vaccination (HPV and hepatitis B)
- Limiting the number of sexual partners
- Regular STI testing
- Mutual monogamy with confirmed testing
Why Early Testing and Treatment Matter
Early detection helps prevent complications such as infertility, organ damage, and transmission to partners or newborns. It also allows treatment to begin before symptoms worsen or long-term harm occurs.
What to Do If You Test Positive
If you test positive for an STI, seek prompt medical care and follow treatment instructions carefully. Notify sexual partners so they can be tested and treated, and attend follow-up testing when recommended.
Managing STI Treatment Costs With the RxLess® Assurance Plan
The RxLess® Assurance Plan is a free prescription savings marketplace that helps patients compare cash prices on medications commonly used to treat STIs—including antibiotics and antiviral therapies—at pharmacies nationwide.
By using the RxLess® Assurance Plan, individuals can view real-time prices, choose a lower-cost pharmacy option, and present their savings at checkout. This can make STI treatment more affordable during STI Awareness Month and throughout the year.
RxLess® Assurance Plan discounts cannot be combined with insurance and must be used as a cash-pay option.
