After a hookup, don't test the next morning — most STI tests can't detect a brand-new infection yet. For chlamydia and gonorrhea, a urine or swab NAAT is reliable about two weeks after exposure; HIV a
Adults over 50 are often skipped for routine STI and HIV screening — not because the risk disappears, but because of provider bias and outdated assumptions. If you're sexually active, you should still
Gay and bisexual men should test for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia at least once a year, and every 3 to 6 months with higher risk such as new or multiple partners, a partner who tested posit
Three sexually transmitted infections cause most genital ulcers: genital herpes (HSV-1 or HSV-2), which makes clusters of small, painful blisters and sores; syphilis , which causes a single firm, pain
LGV and ordinary chlamydia are caused by the same bacterium — Chlamydia trachomatis — but different strains. LGV comes from the more aggressive L1–L3 serovars and causes severe, invasive disease like
LGV symptoms most often show up as rectal trouble — mucoid or bloody discharge, anal pain, constipation, and a constant urge to pass stool (tenesmus) — or as tender, usually one-sided swelling of the
Lesbian and bisexual women can and do get sexually transmitted infections, so the "women who sleep with women don't need screening" idea is a myth. STIs pass through skin contact, shared fluids, and s
A sore throat tied to oral sex most often points to oral (pharyngeal) gonorrhea, oral chlamydia, or syphilis — three bacterial STIs that can infect the throat. But most sore throats aren't STIs at all
A positive STD result almost never comes from a single kiss — it comes from a test that detects an infection you already had, often from another route, and usually with no symptoms to warn you. Most k
A few sexually transmitted infections show up on the skin, but the short list is small: syphilis (its classic rash on the palms and soles), acute HIV (a flu-like illness with a body rash), and mpox (p
Yes — Gardasil 9 is safe and is one of the best-studied vaccines in use. It's monitored continuously, and the main reactions are mild and short-lived, like a sore arm. The bigger story is what it does
Yes — hepatitis B is a sexually transmitted infection, and it's the most sexually transmissible of the three common blood-borne viruses (hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV). The virus lives in blood, s
Two sexually transmitted infections most often cause mouth or lip sores: genital herpes (HSV-1 or HSV-2), which produces small painful blisters that break into ulcers, and syphilis, which causes a sin
Yes. Starting HIV treatment in a baby as early as possible is both safe and highly effective. When a mother takes antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy and labor and the newborn gets preventive medi
HSV-1 and HSV-2 are the two herpes simplex viruses behind oral and genital herpes. The biggest practical difference is recurrence: genital HSV-2 comes back and sheds virus far more often than genital
Genital swelling can be caused by a handful of STIs — most often genital herpes, chancroid, and lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) — but plenty of non-STI problems like allergic reactions, cysts, and bloc
The short answer: herpes causes painful blisters or sores that come and go, while HPV usually causes painless bumps (genital warts) or nothing at all. Herpes is a lifelong viral infection managed with
Genital pain can come from several sexually transmitted infections — most commonly genital herpes (painful blisters and sores), and less often chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis (which usually ca
The HPV vaccine's most common side effects are mild and short-lived: soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection spot, plus headache, low-grade fever, or fatigue for a day or two. The most notable
The HPV vaccine is not federally mandatory in the United States. No national law requires it; a handful of states and the District of Columbia tie it to school entry, usually with opt-outs. The CDC ro
Dry, flaky, or scaly skin is rarely caused by an STI. Far more often it's everyday dry skin, eczema, or psoriasis. Two STIs can affect the skin — HIV (in advanced disease) and secondary syphilis (a ro
Yes, the HPV vaccine can be worth it after 26. Gardasil 9 is approved through age 45, and adults aged 27 to 45 can get it after a shared-decision conversation with a clinician. It works best before ex
Bruising and easy bleeding are almost never caused by an STI. The one real exception is HIV, which can lower your platelet count and lead to bruising — but that's a rare, late sign. Far more often, un
Yes, the HPV vaccine is approved and often worth it for adults through age 45 — but after age 26 it's a shared-decision call with your clinician, not a routine recommendation. Gardasil 9 prevents futu