STI stands for sexually transmitted infection. Sometimes they are also called STDs (sexually transmitted diseases.)

STIs are any type of infection that is passed from one person to another during sexual activity.

STIs can be transmitted by oral, anal, and vaginal sex, and some can be passed by skin to skin contact. The bacterias, viruses, or parasites that cause STIs are passed through bodily fluids like blood, saliva, semen, or vaginal liquids. Some STIs can be passed from parent to child through childbirth or breastfeeding. It is possible for these to be passed down non-sexually, through sharing of needles or exchange of body fluids.

STIs do not always have symptoms, and it is possible to pass an STI to a partner even when there are no symptoms. This is one reason why regular STI testing is important if you are sexually active.

Yes, STIs are quite common, especially among young people. The World Health Organization estimates that 1 million STIs are acquired each day worldwide, the majority of which have no symptoms. Many STIs can be treated easily and effectively if identified early. Some only require monitoring, and no special treatment. However, some STIs can cause serious health problems if they are left untreated for a long time.

If you discover you have an STI, it’s important to tell your partner/s so they can take care of their health. It’s also a best practice to use safer sex methods such as condoms for all sexual activity. You can talk with a doctor at the Student Health Center for more information about STI testing and safer sex practices.

Anyone who is sexually active has the potential to get an STI. However there are some factors that cause higher risk for STIs:

• Having unprotected sex (sex without a condom 避孕套 or another barrier method).

• Having sexual contact with multiple partners.

• Having a history of STIs.

• Using alcohol or drugs can inhibit judgment, making it more likely to partake in risky behavior.

Anyone who is sexually active has the potential to get an STI. However there are some factors that cause higher risk for STIs:

• Having unprotected sex (sex without a condom 避孕套 or another barrier method).

• Having sexual contact with multiple partners.

• Having a history of STIs.

• Using alcohol or drugs can inhibit judgment, making it more likely to partake in risky behavior.

Some of the most common STI symptoms are:

• unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or anus

• pain when peeing

• lumps or skin growths around the genitals or anus

• skin rash

• unusual vaginal bleeding

• itchy genitals or anus

• blisters and sores around your genitals or anus

• warts around your genitals or anus

• warts in your mouth or throat, but this is very rare

STIs do not always have symptoms, so getting tested for STIs 1-2 times per year is an important part of an overall healthcare routine for those who are sexually active, especially those who have multiple partners.

To learn more about specific STIs and their symptoms, check our Most Common STIs page.

Some of the most common STI symptoms are:

• unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or anus

• pain when peeing

• lumps or skin growths around the genitals or anus

• skin rash

• unusual vaginal bleeding

• itchy genitals or anus

• blisters and sores around your genitals or anus

• warts around your genitals or anus

• warts in your mouth or throat, but this is very rare

STIs do not always have symptoms, so getting tested for STIs 1-2 times per year is an important part of an overall healthcare routine for those who are sexually active, especially those who have multiple partners.

To learn more about specific STIs and their symptoms, check our Most Common STIs page.

There are many ways to lower the risk for contracting an STI or STD. Any of these options are valid, and which one you choose depends on what you are comfortable with.

Wait and test

Avoid having oral, vaginal or anal sex with new partners until you and your new partner/s have all been tested. Many partners choose to get STI tested together as a way to show care for each other's health and wellbeing.

Use barrier methods effectively

"Barrier methods" for safer sex include male (external) condoms 避孕套, female (internal) condoms, and dental dams. These methods put a physical barrier between skin and body fluids, reducing the risk of STIs passing from one person to another. Learn more about safer sex methods here.

It is important to remember that non-barrier contraceptives like birth control pills or IUDs can prevent pregnancy but do not protect against STIs.

Get vaccinated

Getting vaccinated before exposure is effective in preventing certain types of STIs. Vaccines are available for HPV and hepatitis A and B. You can talk to a doctor or nurse at the Student Health Center about getting these vaccines in Shanghai.

Consider PrEP if you are at high risk for HIV exposure

PrEP stands for "pre-exposure prophylaxis." This is a type of medication that can prevent the likelihood of an HIV infection for those who are at high risk for exposure to the virus. PrEP is safe and effective but is not as widely available in China as in many other countries in the world. If you think PrEP is a good choice for your sexual health, you can speak with a doctor to get more information.

Choose lower risk sexual activities

It's every person's individual choice whether or not to be sexually active, and what types of sexual activities to participate in. Understanding the risk of STIs and how to practice safer sex are factors to consider when making these decisions. The most important thing is that everyone makes the decisions that makes them most comfortable, without pressure or judgment. Find more resources for talking to partner/s about sex here.

For those who are sexually active, there are types of sexual activity that have lower risk for STI transmission: kissing, cuddling, massage, masturbation 自慰, ejaculating on unbroken skin 射精在为破损的皮肤上, sexual intercourse using barrier contraception 发生有屏障避孕的性行为 such as a condom or female condom.