Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Infections: Care Instructions

Overview

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections spread by sexual contact. This includes genital skin-to-skin contact and vaginal, oral, and anal sex. If you're pregnant, you can also spread them to the fetus before or during the birth.

STIs are common. But they don't always cause symptoms. And if they are not treated, they can lead to health problems. Testing and treatment are important to help protect the health of you and your partner or partners.

STIs caused by bacteria can go away with treatment. STIs caused by viruses can be treated to relieve symptoms, but treatment won't make these STIs go away.

Your doctor may have done testing and prescribed you treatment. Or if your partner is being treated for certain STIs, their doctor may have prescribed medicine for you.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Take medicines exactly as prescribed.
• If you were prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Don't stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
  • If your partner’s doctor prescribed you antibiotics, it is important that you still follow up with your doctor after taking them. If you are pregnant, have an allergy to the medicine, or have other concerns about the medicine, talk to your doctor before taking it.
• Tell your sex partner or partners that they will need treatment. Your doctor may be able to prescribe them treatment for certain STIs.
• Don't have sexual contact while you have symptoms of an STI or are being treated for an STI.
• Don't douche. Douching changes the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina. It may increase the risk of spreading the infection to the uterus or other reproductive organs.
• Get any tests your doctor suggests. For certain STIs, your doctor may recommend you get tested again several months after treatment.

How can you prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

Here are some ways to help prevent STIs.

• Limit your sex partners. Sex with one partner who has sex only with you can reduce your risk of getting an STI.
• Talk with your partner or partners about STIs before you have sex. Find out if they are at risk for an STI. Remember that it's possible to have an STI and not know it.
• Wait to have sex with new partners until you've each been tested.
• Don't have sex if you have symptoms of an infection or if you are being treated for an STI.
• Use a condom every time you have sex. Condoms are the only form of birth control that also helps prevent STIs.
• If you had sex without a condom, ask your doctor if taking a preventive medicine is recommended. It may help prevent certain STIs if it's taken within 24 to 72 hours after unprotected sex.
• Don't share sex toys. But if you do share them, use a condom and clean the sex toys between each use.

Vaccines are available for some STIs, such as HPV. Ask your doctor for more information.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You have sudden, severe pain in your belly or pelvis.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have new belly or pelvic pain.
• You have a fever.
• You have new or increased burning or pain with urination, or you cannot urinate.
• You have pain, swelling, or tenderness in the scrotum.
• You are pregnant and have any symptoms of an STI.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You have unusual vaginal bleeding.
• You have a discharge from the vagina, penis, or anus.
• You have any new symptoms, such as sores, bumps, rashes, blisters, or warts in the genital or anal area.
• You have itching, tingling, pain, or burning in the genital or anal area.
• You think you may have been exposed again to an STI.
• You have a sore throat or sores in your mouth or on your tongue.