STI/STDs

• With any new sex partners
• Every six months to one year
• If having symptoms (see “What is a symptom?”)
• Or one month after being treated for an STI

STIs are sexually transmitted infections, which means you can get them through having unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, or oral sex). Many STIs can be treated and managed, but you need to get tested to see if you have an STI. Some STIs have symptoms that are really
obvious and some do not.

STIs are really common and can be prevented. Remember, you can always come to The SPOT
for condoms, dental dams, lube, and PrEP to prevent STIs.

Less stress about infections = more pleasure from sex!

Both of you should come to The SPOT to get tested and get medication.  Then, both of you have to wait seven days after taking the medication to have any type of sex (oral, vaginal or anal).  If you don’t wait this long, then you could get the STI again and will have to get the medication again.   

Return to The SPOT 30 days after you took the medication to get tested again.

You get a STI (sexually transmitted infection) from having unprotected sex (oral, vaginal or anal) from someone who has a STI.  You might have symptoms like discharge from your penis or vagina or burning when you pee, but many with a STI do not have any symptoms at all.  Testing is the only way to know for sure if you have an STI.

A UTI (urinary tract infection) is caused by bacteria getting into the urethra, which is where your urine comes out.  You might feel like you have to pee but can't, smell a different odor in your urine, or feel a burning sensation when you try to urinate.

Both can be treated with antibiotics after you take a test to see which one you have.

Sexually transmitted infection (STI) and sexually transmitted disease (STD) mean nearly the same thing.

Both are bacteria, viruses and parasites that pass through sex (oral, rectal and vaginal) or toys used during sex.  An STI becomes an STD when it causes symptoms, but all can be referred to as STIs.

• For Gonorrhea, you will get a shot of Ceftriaxone in the arm or buttocks
• For Chlamydia, you will have to take four pills of Azithromycin (all at same time) with a big meal or Doxycycline 100mg twice daily for 7 days
• For Syphilis, you will get one or three shots of Bicillin.  If you need three shots, these will be given weekly on the same day each week
• For Trichomoniasis, you will get pills of Metronizadole.

If you have allergies or cannot tolerate any of these medications, let us know and we can provide a different medication.

You MUST wait seven days before having sex after treatment or after your last partner was treated.  This means NO SEX. Not even with a condom (if it breaks, you will be re-exposed).