What is sexually transmitted infections?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections passed through sexual contact — vaginal, anal, or oral. Common ones include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, herpes (HSV), genital warts/HPV, and HIV.
Many STIs are asymptomatic, especially in early stages — chlamydia and gonorrhea, for example, cause no symptoms in most infected women and many infected men. Untreated, they can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, chronic pain, and increased risk of HIV transmission.
CDC recommends routine screening based on age, sexual activity, and risk factors. Anyone sexually active should consider periodic screening even without symptoms.
Do I have sexually transmitted infections? Common signs
If most of these describe what you're experiencing, telehealth is a reasonable next step:
What causes it
Chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis), gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae), syphilis (Treponema pallidum), trichomoniasis (Trichomonas vaginalis), herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2), HPV (multiple strains), and HIV are all transmitted through sexual contact. Risk factors include new or multiple partners, partners with multiple partners, inconsistent condom use, alcohol or drug use during sex, and a history of prior STIs.
Is it contagious?
Yes — STIs are contagious through sexual contact and sometimes through close skin-to-skin contact (herpes, HPV, syphilis). Some can be transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy or birth. Condoms substantially reduce but don't eliminate transmission risk for most STIs. Partner notification and testing is critical to break transmission chains.
Many STIs are asymptomatic — which is why testing matters even when nothing feels wrong.
Can it be treated online?
Telehealth handles a lot of STI care well: pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) within 72 hours of exposure, evaluation of symptoms with referral for testing, empiric treatment when clinical presentation is classic, treatment of positive results, and partner notification guidance. Some STIs (visible genital warts for cryotherapy, certain syphilis stages, complicated cases) need in-person care.
How sexually transmitted infections is treated
Treatment depends entirely on which infection. Chlamydia: single-dose doxycycline 7 days or azithromycin. Gonorrhea: ceftriaxone injection (typically given in clinic, not telehealth — though some telehealth providers can prescribe oral alternatives in certain situations). Syphilis: penicillin (in-person). Trichomoniasis: metronidazole single dose or 7-day course. Herpes: antiviral therapy (acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir) — episodic for outbreaks or daily suppressive. HPV/warts: in-person treatment usually. HIV: ART (specialist care).
Self-care while you wait
- Get tested regularly if you're sexually active — frequency depends on number of partners and condom use
- Use condoms for vaginal, anal, and oral sex
- Limit number of partners and ask about partners' STI testing history
- Consider PrEP if you're at higher HIV risk
- Get vaccinated for HPV (ages 9–45) and hepatitis B
- If you test positive, notify partners — many health departments offer anonymous notification
- Don't have sex while undergoing treatment until your clinician clears you
How long does it last?
Bacterial STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis early stage) usually clear within 1–2 weeks of correct antibiotic. Trichomoniasis clears within a few days of metronidazole. Herpes is lifelong but suppressive antiviral therapy reduces outbreak frequency dramatically. HPV often clears spontaneously over 1–2 years; some strains persist. HIV is currently lifelong but well-controlled with daily ART.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get tested through telehealth?
Yes — we can order at-home test kits or refer you to a local lab for free or low-cost STI testing. Results are reviewed by a clinician and treatment prescribed if needed.
Will my insurance know?
If you pay directly without using insurance, the visit is private and won't appear on insurance records. If you use insurance, an explanation of benefits may be sent to the policyholder.
I had unprotected sex — what should I do?
For HIV risk: PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is effective if started within 72 hours of exposure. For other STI exposure: testing at the right intervals (some take weeks to be detectable), symptom monitoring, and empiric treatment if symptoms develop. Reach out — this is exactly what telehealth is for.
Do I need to tell partners I test positive?
Yes — partner notification is medically and ethically important and in some states legally required. We can help you with how to approach the conversation, and some health departments offer anonymous partner notification.
Is herpes treatable?
Herpes is not curable, but it's very manageable. Antiviral therapy can be taken as needed for outbreaks (episodic) or daily to prevent outbreaks (suppressive). Suppressive therapy also reduces transmission risk to partners.
