Sexual wellness takes all of us

How to protect yourself, your family, and your community.

There’s a hush-hush taboo around sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), but let’s be honest—stuff happens. We’re here with all you need to know about STD testing and prevention.

STDs are transmitted through sexual contact. Pretty self-explanatory, right? But our culture doesn’t like to talk about it. With more information and more conversation, each of us can live our lives and stay protected from these infections.

Let’s talk about it!

The CDC recommends getting tested for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea at least once a year.¹

Our Common STD Test & Expanded STD Test are now available

Get tested

If you’re worried that you’ve potentially been exposed to an STD, take a deep breath. We’re here for you. It’s important to understand your symptoms and care options before taking the first step. Here’s what you need to know.

Chlamydia

Gonorrhea

Trichomoniasis

Syphilis

HIV

Symptoms

Often no symptoms
Burning sensation when urinating
Abnormal discharge
For men, pain or swelling of testicles
For women, bleeding between periods

Often no symptoms
Painful, burning when urinating
White, yellow, or green discharge
For men, pain or swelling of testicles
For women, bleeding between periods

Often no symptoms
Discomfort urinating
Discharge with fishy odor
Itching or irritation in genitals
May spread to hands or other body parts
Most people don’t know they have it

Genital skin rashes and/or sores
Fever
Swollen lymph nodes
Sore throat
Patchy hair loss
Headaches
Weight loss
Muscle aches
Fatigue

Fever
Chills
Rash
Night sweats
Muscle aches
Sore throat
Fatigue
Swollen lymph nodes

Curable?

Yes

No, but treatable and manageable with appropriate treatment

Risks if untreated

For women, can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Higher risk of ectopic pregnancy, infertility, scar tissue

For women, can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Higher risk of ectopic pregnancy, infertility, scar tissue

For men and women, can cause genital inflammation making it easier to contract other STDs
For women, can lead to premature births

Progression to tertiary syphilis, affecting: brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints
In some cases, can cause birth defects

Progression to AIDS with severe and life-threatening immune system damage

More info

Chlamydia: CDC Basic Fact Sheet

Gonorrhea: CDC Basic Fact Sheet

Trichomoniasis: CDC Basic Fact Sheet

Syphilis: CDC Basic Fact Sheet

HIV: CDC Basic Fact Sheet

Chlamydia

Symptoms

Often no symptoms
Burning sensation when urinating
Abnormal discharge
For men, pain or swelling of testicles
For women, bleeding between periods

Treatable?

Yes

Risks if untreated

For women, can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Higher risk of ectopic pregnancy, infertility, scar tissue

More info

Chlamydia: CDC Basic Fact Sheet

Gonorrhea

Symptoms

Often no symptoms
Painful, burning when urinating
White, yellow, or green discharge
For men, pain or swelling of testicles
For women, bleeding between periods

Treatable?

Yes

Risks if untreated

For women, can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Higher risk of ectopic pregnancy, infertility, scar tissue

More info

Gonorrhea: CDC Basic Fact Sheet

Trichomoniasis

Symptoms

Often no symptoms
Discomfort urinating
Discharge with fishy odor
Itching or irritation in genitals
May spread to hands or other body parts
Most people don’t know they have it

Treatable?

Yes

Risks if untreated

For men and women, can cause genital inflammation making it easier to contract other STDs
For women, can lead to premature births

More info

Trichomoniasis: CDC Basic Fact Sheet

Approximately 1 in 5 people in the United States have an STD on any given day.²

Did you know?

STI or STD? An STI is the passing of bacteria or a virus between partners. Once it enters the body, the infection can become a disease, or an STD.

Key takeaways

If you’re sexually active, it’s highly recommended you get tested for STDs frequently. Especially if you’re having unprotected sex, have multiple partners, or have a new partner. These diseases have become increasingly more difficult to test and treat with asymptomatic transmission and if gone untreated, the impact can be heartbreaking especially because it’s preventable. Well, the only way to truly prevent the spread of STDs is through abstinence. But let’s be real—be smart, be safe, and stay tested.

Have the conversation

STDs don’t have to be embarrassing. Just like catching a cold, the treatment is simple and most STDs are curable. The CDC breaks down the right way to talk about it. The more we discuss, the better we can protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities from the unnecessary spread of STDs. Read more here.