Questions aboutsexually transmitted infections (STIs)—what used to commonly be referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)—includewhat to do if you think you have an STIand what to do if you find out that you have an STI.Both types of questions have one commonality—the people asking the question desperately need information that can help them figure out how to move on with their lives in a safe and healthy way.1:187 Tips for Preventing STIsThis quick reference can help. The following are answers to and discussion of the most common questions healthcare professionals get from people who are worried about the realities of having an STI.1How Soon Will You Know?Verywell HealthHow soon will you know if you have an STI after having unprotected sex?The simplest answer to this question is that you can’t know if you got an STI from anepisode of unprotected sexuntil you get tested. That’s because many, if not most, STI infections areasymptomatic.In other words, they don’t cause any symptoms.However, what you probably actually want to know is how long you have to wait until STI symptoms show up if you’re going to see them. The answer varies from disease to disease. It could be anywhere from a few days to a few years.To make matters even more confusing, there’s also awindow periodbetween when you are infected and when you can first test positive for it. That varies with every STI and may extend to six months or more.The Incubation Period of Common STIs2Could Your Partner Really Not Know They Have Herpes?Stocktrek Images/Getty ImagesCould your partner really not know they had herpes before giving it to you? A lot of people who arenewly diagnosed with herpesrefuse to believe their sexual partners when they say they didn’t know they hadgenital herpes.Some of them may be lying. However, there are a lot of people who really have no clue they are infected with one of the herpes viruses (herpes simplex virus 1, or HSV-1, and herpes simplex virus 2, or HSV-2). That’s becauseinfections often have no symptoms.In addition, healthcare providers do not regularly perform blood tests for herpes unless someone has a known exposure.3Is It Too Late to Use a Condom?CatLane/Getty ImagesShould you use a condom after you have already had unprotected sex with a partner?There is a common misconception that if you sleep with someone with an STI, you will automatically get that STI the first time. That isn’t true.Still, people often use that reasoning to continue not usingcondomsor other forms of barrier protection after they’ve slipped up. “After all,” they rationalize, “if I was really at risk from this person, then I’m already in trouble.” Fortunately, however, that isn’t true.It’s certainly best to practice safer sex every single time you have sex. However, messing up once doesn’t mean that you can’t go back to being safe.It’s always worth using a condom the next time you have sex even if you didn’t this time. Just because someone has an STI, it doesn’t mean their partners will automatically get it.How to Use a Condom Correctly4Is Penile Discharge Gonorrhea?David Whittemore / E+ / Getty ImagesDoes discharge from your penis mean you have gonorrhea?Penile discharge can be a symptom of any of a number ofcommon STIs.The only way to tell which one you have—or if you have an STI at all—is to go visit your local healthcare provider or a free clinic and get tested.There is no way for someone to self-diagnose what STI is causing a discharge without having a laboratory test done. Usually, testing is simply giving aurineor blood sample. You probably won’t need to undergo a urethral swab.Penis-Related Symptoms That Could Indicate an STI5Do You Have to Tell Your Partner You Have an STI?Noviembre Anita Vela/Moment/Getty ImagesDisclosing an STIto a potential partner is a good thing to do. That’s true both because it’s right and kind and because not disclosing couldlead to a lawsuit. People deserve to have the opportunity to make informed decisions about their sex lives. That requires an open and honest discussion about risks.Acknowledged STI infections aren’t necessarily relationship deal breakers for people. That’s true even with lifelong infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and herpes. On the other hand, lying about an STI almost always will cause a problem.You don’t need to bring up these topics on the first date. Just don’t put the conversations off until the night you plan to first have sex. Having to deal with a heavy discussion in the heat of the moment is a bad idea. It may make it more likely your partner will make a decision they’ll regret.6Can You Reduce Oral Sex Risks?Elizabeth R. BoskeyHow can you reduce the risks of getting an STI from oral sex, and do you really need to?A lot of people don’t really think of oral sex as sex. However, it can pose a significantSTI risk. That’s why, unless you have both been comprehensively tested, it’s a good idea to use condoms or dental dams whenever you have oral sex.Oral Sex Isn’t Safe Sex7Does HPV Pose Risks for Men?Science Photo Library - PASIEKA/Brand X Pictures/Getty ImagesHuman papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical cancer. But that doesn’t mean that men (or any person without acervix) aren’t at risk of other HPV-related diseases. Risks from HPV include a variety of sexually transmitted cancers andgenital warts.There is not yet a commercial HPV test for people with male genitalia (the usual HPV tests are done on cervical cells), but that doesn’t mean HPV exposure and outcomes are not important. It’s just that it’s hard to figure out how to implement population-wide testing in a useful way.People of any sex or gender (including men) can get the HPV vaccine to reduce their risks from the virus.Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Facts8Won’t You Know If You Have an STI?Cultura RM/Zero Creatives / Collection Mix: Subjects / Getty ImagesThe truth is, it’s quite easy to be infected with an STI and have absolutely no idea you have been infected.STI testingis not necessarily part of routine healthcare practices. Furthermore, many STIs can have no symptoms for years.So the only way you’d know for certain if you have an STI would be if you’d asked your healthcare provider to test you and have received the results. Even then, your certainty would only last as long as you continued to avoid potentially risky behavior.5 STIs and STDs That Condoms Don’t Always Prevent9Could They Have an STI Without Cheating?Jag Images/Cultura/Getty ImagesIf your partner has an STI, is it at all possible that they didn’t have sex with a person outside of your relationship?When someone who is in a long-term relationship that the partners agreed would be exclusive is diagnosed with an STI, it can be heartbreaking. The first instinct is almost always to assume that their partner has cheated on them. While in many cases that may be true, it isn’t always.If you both weren’t tested before starting the relationship, or if you are early in the relationship, it’s possible that your partner might have had an asymptomatic infection since before you got together. They also might have only infected you recently even if you’ve been involved for years.How You Can Get Chlamydia and STIs Without Cheating10Can I Get HIV From Oral Sex With a Prostitute?BSIP/UIG/Getty ImagesCan you get HIV from oral sex with a sex worker you paid for sex?This specific question blends several misconceptions, including:That the main STI risk of oral sex is HIVThat all sex workers have HIVThat STIs are transmitted every time you have sexNone of those statements is true.The risk of acquiring HIV through oral sex may be relatively low. However, diseases like herpes, gonorrhea, and syphilis can all be spread quite easily during oral sex.It’s a good idea to use protection whenever you engage in any type of commercial sex (or casual sex). Not doing so potentially puts you at substantial risk. Besides, if you have the means to purchase oral sex, then you should have the means to take precautions in advance.What Is Oral Sex?
Questions aboutsexually transmitted infections (STIs)—what used to commonly be referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)—includewhat to do if you think you have an STIand what to do if you find out that you have an STI.Both types of questions have one commonality—the people asking the question desperately need information that can help them figure out how to move on with their lives in a safe and healthy way.1:187 Tips for Preventing STIsThis quick reference can help. The following are answers to and discussion of the most common questions healthcare professionals get from people who are worried about the realities of having an STI.
Questions aboutsexually transmitted infections (STIs)—what used to commonly be referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)—includewhat to do if you think you have an STIand what to do if you find out that you have an STI.
Both types of questions have one commonality—the people asking the question desperately need information that can help them figure out how to move on with their lives in a safe and healthy way.
1:187 Tips for Preventing STIs
1:18
7 Tips for Preventing STIs
This quick reference can help. The following are answers to and discussion of the most common questions healthcare professionals get from people who are worried about the realities of having an STI.
1How Soon Will You Know?Verywell HealthHow soon will you know if you have an STI after having unprotected sex?The simplest answer to this question is that you can’t know if you got an STI from anepisode of unprotected sexuntil you get tested. That’s because many, if not most, STI infections areasymptomatic.In other words, they don’t cause any symptoms.However, what you probably actually want to know is how long you have to wait until STI symptoms show up if you’re going to see them. The answer varies from disease to disease. It could be anywhere from a few days to a few years.To make matters even more confusing, there’s also awindow periodbetween when you are infected and when you can first test positive for it. That varies with every STI and may extend to six months or more.The Incubation Period of Common STIs2Could Your Partner Really Not Know They Have Herpes?Stocktrek Images/Getty ImagesCould your partner really not know they had herpes before giving it to you? A lot of people who arenewly diagnosed with herpesrefuse to believe their sexual partners when they say they didn’t know they hadgenital herpes.Some of them may be lying. However, there are a lot of people who really have no clue they are infected with one of the herpes viruses (herpes simplex virus 1, or HSV-1, and herpes simplex virus 2, or HSV-2). That’s becauseinfections often have no symptoms.In addition, healthcare providers do not regularly perform blood tests for herpes unless someone has a known exposure.3Is It Too Late to Use a Condom?CatLane/Getty ImagesShould you use a condom after you have already had unprotected sex with a partner?There is a common misconception that if you sleep with someone with an STI, you will automatically get that STI the first time. That isn’t true.Still, people often use that reasoning to continue not usingcondomsor other forms of barrier protection after they’ve slipped up. “After all,” they rationalize, “if I was really at risk from this person, then I’m already in trouble.” Fortunately, however, that isn’t true.It’s certainly best to practice safer sex every single time you have sex. However, messing up once doesn’t mean that you can’t go back to being safe.It’s always worth using a condom the next time you have sex even if you didn’t this time. Just because someone has an STI, it doesn’t mean their partners will automatically get it.How to Use a Condom Correctly4Is Penile Discharge Gonorrhea?David Whittemore / E+ / Getty ImagesDoes discharge from your penis mean you have gonorrhea?Penile discharge can be a symptom of any of a number ofcommon STIs.The only way to tell which one you have—or if you have an STI at all—is to go visit your local healthcare provider or a free clinic and get tested.There is no way for someone to self-diagnose what STI is causing a discharge without having a laboratory test done. Usually, testing is simply giving aurineor blood sample. You probably won’t need to undergo a urethral swab.Penis-Related Symptoms That Could Indicate an STI5Do You Have to Tell Your Partner You Have an STI?Noviembre Anita Vela/Moment/Getty ImagesDisclosing an STIto a potential partner is a good thing to do. That’s true both because it’s right and kind and because not disclosing couldlead to a lawsuit. People deserve to have the opportunity to make informed decisions about their sex lives. That requires an open and honest discussion about risks.Acknowledged STI infections aren’t necessarily relationship deal breakers for people. That’s true even with lifelong infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and herpes. On the other hand, lying about an STI almost always will cause a problem.You don’t need to bring up these topics on the first date. Just don’t put the conversations off until the night you plan to first have sex. Having to deal with a heavy discussion in the heat of the moment is a bad idea. It may make it more likely your partner will make a decision they’ll regret.6Can You Reduce Oral Sex Risks?Elizabeth R. BoskeyHow can you reduce the risks of getting an STI from oral sex, and do you really need to?A lot of people don’t really think of oral sex as sex. However, it can pose a significantSTI risk. That’s why, unless you have both been comprehensively tested, it’s a good idea to use condoms or dental dams whenever you have oral sex.Oral Sex Isn’t Safe Sex7Does HPV Pose Risks for Men?Science Photo Library - PASIEKA/Brand X Pictures/Getty ImagesHuman papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical cancer. But that doesn’t mean that men (or any person without acervix) aren’t at risk of other HPV-related diseases. Risks from HPV include a variety of sexually transmitted cancers andgenital warts.There is not yet a commercial HPV test for people with male genitalia (the usual HPV tests are done on cervical cells), but that doesn’t mean HPV exposure and outcomes are not important. It’s just that it’s hard to figure out how to implement population-wide testing in a useful way.People of any sex or gender (including men) can get the HPV vaccine to reduce their risks from the virus.Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Facts8Won’t You Know If You Have an STI?Cultura RM/Zero Creatives / Collection Mix: Subjects / Getty ImagesThe truth is, it’s quite easy to be infected with an STI and have absolutely no idea you have been infected.STI testingis not necessarily part of routine healthcare practices. Furthermore, many STIs can have no symptoms for years.So the only way you’d know for certain if you have an STI would be if you’d asked your healthcare provider to test you and have received the results. Even then, your certainty would only last as long as you continued to avoid potentially risky behavior.5 STIs and STDs That Condoms Don’t Always Prevent9Could They Have an STI Without Cheating?Jag Images/Cultura/Getty ImagesIf your partner has an STI, is it at all possible that they didn’t have sex with a person outside of your relationship?When someone who is in a long-term relationship that the partners agreed would be exclusive is diagnosed with an STI, it can be heartbreaking. The first instinct is almost always to assume that their partner has cheated on them. While in many cases that may be true, it isn’t always.If you both weren’t tested before starting the relationship, or if you are early in the relationship, it’s possible that your partner might have had an asymptomatic infection since before you got together. They also might have only infected you recently even if you’ve been involved for years.How You Can Get Chlamydia and STIs Without Cheating10Can I Get HIV From Oral Sex With a Prostitute?BSIP/UIG/Getty ImagesCan you get HIV from oral sex with a sex worker you paid for sex?This specific question blends several misconceptions, including:That the main STI risk of oral sex is HIVThat all sex workers have HIVThat STIs are transmitted every time you have sexNone of those statements is true.The risk of acquiring HIV through oral sex may be relatively low. However, diseases like herpes, gonorrhea, and syphilis can all be spread quite easily during oral sex.It’s a good idea to use protection whenever you engage in any type of commercial sex (or casual sex). Not doing so potentially puts you at substantial risk. Besides, if you have the means to purchase oral sex, then you should have the means to take precautions in advance.What Is Oral Sex?
1How Soon Will You Know?Verywell HealthHow soon will you know if you have an STI after having unprotected sex?The simplest answer to this question is that you can’t know if you got an STI from anepisode of unprotected sexuntil you get tested. That’s because many, if not most, STI infections areasymptomatic.In other words, they don’t cause any symptoms.However, what you probably actually want to know is how long you have to wait until STI symptoms show up if you’re going to see them. The answer varies from disease to disease. It could be anywhere from a few days to a few years.To make matters even more confusing, there’s also awindow periodbetween when you are infected and when you can first test positive for it. That varies with every STI and may extend to six months or more.The Incubation Period of Common STIs
1
How Soon Will You Know?Verywell HealthHow soon will you know if you have an STI after having unprotected sex?The simplest answer to this question is that you can’t know if you got an STI from anepisode of unprotected sexuntil you get tested. That’s because many, if not most, STI infections areasymptomatic.In other words, they don’t cause any symptoms.However, what you probably actually want to know is how long you have to wait until STI symptoms show up if you’re going to see them. The answer varies from disease to disease. It could be anywhere from a few days to a few years.To make matters even more confusing, there’s also awindow periodbetween when you are infected and when you can first test positive for it. That varies with every STI and may extend to six months or more.The Incubation Period of Common STIs
How Soon Will You Know?
Verywell Health
How soon will you know if you have an STI after having unprotected sex?
The simplest answer to this question is that you can’t know if you got an STI from anepisode of unprotected sexuntil you get tested. That’s because many, if not most, STI infections areasymptomatic.In other words, they don’t cause any symptoms.
However, what you probably actually want to know is how long you have to wait until STI symptoms show up if you’re going to see them. The answer varies from disease to disease. It could be anywhere from a few days to a few years.
To make matters even more confusing, there’s also awindow periodbetween when you are infected and when you can first test positive for it. That varies with every STI and may extend to six months or more.
The Incubation Period of Common STIs
2Could Your Partner Really Not Know They Have Herpes?Stocktrek Images/Getty ImagesCould your partner really not know they had herpes before giving it to you? A lot of people who arenewly diagnosed with herpesrefuse to believe their sexual partners when they say they didn’t know they hadgenital herpes.Some of them may be lying. However, there are a lot of people who really have no clue they are infected with one of the herpes viruses (herpes simplex virus 1, or HSV-1, and herpes simplex virus 2, or HSV-2). That’s becauseinfections often have no symptoms.In addition, healthcare providers do not regularly perform blood tests for herpes unless someone has a known exposure.
2
Could Your Partner Really Not Know They Have Herpes?Stocktrek Images/Getty ImagesCould your partner really not know they had herpes before giving it to you? A lot of people who arenewly diagnosed with herpesrefuse to believe their sexual partners when they say they didn’t know they hadgenital herpes.Some of them may be lying. However, there are a lot of people who really have no clue they are infected with one of the herpes viruses (herpes simplex virus 1, or HSV-1, and herpes simplex virus 2, or HSV-2). That’s becauseinfections often have no symptoms.In addition, healthcare providers do not regularly perform blood tests for herpes unless someone has a known exposure.
Could Your Partner Really Not Know They Have Herpes?
Stocktrek Images/Getty Images
Could your partner really not know they had herpes before giving it to you? A lot of people who arenewly diagnosed with herpesrefuse to believe their sexual partners when they say they didn’t know they hadgenital herpes.
Some of them may be lying. However, there are a lot of people who really have no clue they are infected with one of the herpes viruses (herpes simplex virus 1, or HSV-1, and herpes simplex virus 2, or HSV-2). That’s becauseinfections often have no symptoms.
In addition, healthcare providers do not regularly perform blood tests for herpes unless someone has a known exposure.
3Is It Too Late to Use a Condom?CatLane/Getty ImagesShould you use a condom after you have already had unprotected sex with a partner?There is a common misconception that if you sleep with someone with an STI, you will automatically get that STI the first time. That isn’t true.Still, people often use that reasoning to continue not usingcondomsor other forms of barrier protection after they’ve slipped up. “After all,” they rationalize, “if I was really at risk from this person, then I’m already in trouble.” Fortunately, however, that isn’t true.It’s certainly best to practice safer sex every single time you have sex. However, messing up once doesn’t mean that you can’t go back to being safe.It’s always worth using a condom the next time you have sex even if you didn’t this time. Just because someone has an STI, it doesn’t mean their partners will automatically get it.How to Use a Condom Correctly
3
Is It Too Late to Use a Condom?CatLane/Getty ImagesShould you use a condom after you have already had unprotected sex with a partner?There is a common misconception that if you sleep with someone with an STI, you will automatically get that STI the first time. That isn’t true.Still, people often use that reasoning to continue not usingcondomsor other forms of barrier protection after they’ve slipped up. “After all,” they rationalize, “if I was really at risk from this person, then I’m already in trouble.” Fortunately, however, that isn’t true.It’s certainly best to practice safer sex every single time you have sex. However, messing up once doesn’t mean that you can’t go back to being safe.It’s always worth using a condom the next time you have sex even if you didn’t this time. Just because someone has an STI, it doesn’t mean their partners will automatically get it.How to Use a Condom Correctly
Is It Too Late to Use a Condom?
CatLane/Getty Images
Should you use a condom after you have already had unprotected sex with a partner?
There is a common misconception that if you sleep with someone with an STI, you will automatically get that STI the first time. That isn’t true.
Still, people often use that reasoning to continue not usingcondomsor other forms of barrier protection after they’ve slipped up. “After all,” they rationalize, “if I was really at risk from this person, then I’m already in trouble.” Fortunately, however, that isn’t true.
It’s certainly best to practice safer sex every single time you have sex. However, messing up once doesn’t mean that you can’t go back to being safe.
It’s always worth using a condom the next time you have sex even if you didn’t this time. Just because someone has an STI, it doesn’t mean their partners will automatically get it.
How to Use a Condom Correctly
4Is Penile Discharge Gonorrhea?David Whittemore / E+ / Getty ImagesDoes discharge from your penis mean you have gonorrhea?Penile discharge can be a symptom of any of a number ofcommon STIs.The only way to tell which one you have—or if you have an STI at all—is to go visit your local healthcare provider or a free clinic and get tested.There is no way for someone to self-diagnose what STI is causing a discharge without having a laboratory test done. Usually, testing is simply giving aurineor blood sample. You probably won’t need to undergo a urethral swab.Penis-Related Symptoms That Could Indicate an STI
4
Is Penile Discharge Gonorrhea?David Whittemore / E+ / Getty ImagesDoes discharge from your penis mean you have gonorrhea?Penile discharge can be a symptom of any of a number ofcommon STIs.The only way to tell which one you have—or if you have an STI at all—is to go visit your local healthcare provider or a free clinic and get tested.There is no way for someone to self-diagnose what STI is causing a discharge without having a laboratory test done. Usually, testing is simply giving aurineor blood sample. You probably won’t need to undergo a urethral swab.Penis-Related Symptoms That Could Indicate an STI
Is Penile Discharge Gonorrhea?
David Whittemore / E+ / Getty Images
Does discharge from your penis mean you have gonorrhea?
Penile discharge can be a symptom of any of a number ofcommon STIs.The only way to tell which one you have—or if you have an STI at all—is to go visit your local healthcare provider or a free clinic and get tested.
There is no way for someone to self-diagnose what STI is causing a discharge without having a laboratory test done. Usually, testing is simply giving aurineor blood sample. You probably won’t need to undergo a urethral swab.
Penis-Related Symptoms That Could Indicate an STI
5Do You Have to Tell Your Partner You Have an STI?Noviembre Anita Vela/Moment/Getty ImagesDisclosing an STIto a potential partner is a good thing to do. That’s true both because it’s right and kind and because not disclosing couldlead to a lawsuit. People deserve to have the opportunity to make informed decisions about their sex lives. That requires an open and honest discussion about risks.Acknowledged STI infections aren’t necessarily relationship deal breakers for people. That’s true even with lifelong infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and herpes. On the other hand, lying about an STI almost always will cause a problem.You don’t need to bring up these topics on the first date. Just don’t put the conversations off until the night you plan to first have sex. Having to deal with a heavy discussion in the heat of the moment is a bad idea. It may make it more likely your partner will make a decision they’ll regret.
5
Do You Have to Tell Your Partner You Have an STI?Noviembre Anita Vela/Moment/Getty ImagesDisclosing an STIto a potential partner is a good thing to do. That’s true both because it’s right and kind and because not disclosing couldlead to a lawsuit. People deserve to have the opportunity to make informed decisions about their sex lives. That requires an open and honest discussion about risks.Acknowledged STI infections aren’t necessarily relationship deal breakers for people. That’s true even with lifelong infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and herpes. On the other hand, lying about an STI almost always will cause a problem.You don’t need to bring up these topics on the first date. Just don’t put the conversations off until the night you plan to first have sex. Having to deal with a heavy discussion in the heat of the moment is a bad idea. It may make it more likely your partner will make a decision they’ll regret.
Do You Have to Tell Your Partner You Have an STI?
Noviembre Anita Vela/Moment/Getty Images
Disclosing an STIto a potential partner is a good thing to do. That’s true both because it’s right and kind and because not disclosing couldlead to a lawsuit. People deserve to have the opportunity to make informed decisions about their sex lives. That requires an open and honest discussion about risks.
Acknowledged STI infections aren’t necessarily relationship deal breakers for people. That’s true even with lifelong infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and herpes. On the other hand, lying about an STI almost always will cause a problem.
You don’t need to bring up these topics on the first date. Just don’t put the conversations off until the night you plan to first have sex. Having to deal with a heavy discussion in the heat of the moment is a bad idea. It may make it more likely your partner will make a decision they’ll regret.
6Can You Reduce Oral Sex Risks?Elizabeth R. BoskeyHow can you reduce the risks of getting an STI from oral sex, and do you really need to?A lot of people don’t really think of oral sex as sex. However, it can pose a significantSTI risk. That’s why, unless you have both been comprehensively tested, it’s a good idea to use condoms or dental dams whenever you have oral sex.Oral Sex Isn’t Safe Sex
6
Can You Reduce Oral Sex Risks?Elizabeth R. BoskeyHow can you reduce the risks of getting an STI from oral sex, and do you really need to?A lot of people don’t really think of oral sex as sex. However, it can pose a significantSTI risk. That’s why, unless you have both been comprehensively tested, it’s a good idea to use condoms or dental dams whenever you have oral sex.Oral Sex Isn’t Safe Sex
Can You Reduce Oral Sex Risks?
Elizabeth R. Boskey
How can you reduce the risks of getting an STI from oral sex, and do you really need to?
A lot of people don’t really think of oral sex as sex. However, it can pose a significantSTI risk. That’s why, unless you have both been comprehensively tested, it’s a good idea to use condoms or dental dams whenever you have oral sex.
Oral Sex Isn’t Safe Sex
7Does HPV Pose Risks for Men?Science Photo Library - PASIEKA/Brand X Pictures/Getty ImagesHuman papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical cancer. But that doesn’t mean that men (or any person without acervix) aren’t at risk of other HPV-related diseases. Risks from HPV include a variety of sexually transmitted cancers andgenital warts.There is not yet a commercial HPV test for people with male genitalia (the usual HPV tests are done on cervical cells), but that doesn’t mean HPV exposure and outcomes are not important. It’s just that it’s hard to figure out how to implement population-wide testing in a useful way.People of any sex or gender (including men) can get the HPV vaccine to reduce their risks from the virus.Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Facts
7
Does HPV Pose Risks for Men?Science Photo Library - PASIEKA/Brand X Pictures/Getty ImagesHuman papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical cancer. But that doesn’t mean that men (or any person without acervix) aren’t at risk of other HPV-related diseases. Risks from HPV include a variety of sexually transmitted cancers andgenital warts.There is not yet a commercial HPV test for people with male genitalia (the usual HPV tests are done on cervical cells), but that doesn’t mean HPV exposure and outcomes are not important. It’s just that it’s hard to figure out how to implement population-wide testing in a useful way.People of any sex or gender (including men) can get the HPV vaccine to reduce their risks from the virus.Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Facts
Does HPV Pose Risks for Men?
Science Photo Library - PASIEKA/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical cancer. But that doesn’t mean that men (or any person without acervix) aren’t at risk of other HPV-related diseases. Risks from HPV include a variety of sexually transmitted cancers andgenital warts.
There is not yet a commercial HPV test for people with male genitalia (the usual HPV tests are done on cervical cells), but that doesn’t mean HPV exposure and outcomes are not important. It’s just that it’s hard to figure out how to implement population-wide testing in a useful way.
People of any sex or gender (including men) can get the HPV vaccine to reduce their risks from the virus.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Facts
8Won’t You Know If You Have an STI?Cultura RM/Zero Creatives / Collection Mix: Subjects / Getty ImagesThe truth is, it’s quite easy to be infected with an STI and have absolutely no idea you have been infected.STI testingis not necessarily part of routine healthcare practices. Furthermore, many STIs can have no symptoms for years.So the only way you’d know for certain if you have an STI would be if you’d asked your healthcare provider to test you and have received the results. Even then, your certainty would only last as long as you continued to avoid potentially risky behavior.5 STIs and STDs That Condoms Don’t Always Prevent
8
Won’t You Know If You Have an STI?Cultura RM/Zero Creatives / Collection Mix: Subjects / Getty ImagesThe truth is, it’s quite easy to be infected with an STI and have absolutely no idea you have been infected.STI testingis not necessarily part of routine healthcare practices. Furthermore, many STIs can have no symptoms for years.So the only way you’d know for certain if you have an STI would be if you’d asked your healthcare provider to test you and have received the results. Even then, your certainty would only last as long as you continued to avoid potentially risky behavior.5 STIs and STDs That Condoms Don’t Always Prevent
Won’t You Know If You Have an STI?
Cultura RM/Zero Creatives / Collection Mix: Subjects / Getty Images
The truth is, it’s quite easy to be infected with an STI and have absolutely no idea you have been infected.STI testingis not necessarily part of routine healthcare practices. Furthermore, many STIs can have no symptoms for years.
So the only way you’d know for certain if you have an STI would be if you’d asked your healthcare provider to test you and have received the results. Even then, your certainty would only last as long as you continued to avoid potentially risky behavior.
5 STIs and STDs That Condoms Don’t Always Prevent
9Could They Have an STI Without Cheating?Jag Images/Cultura/Getty ImagesIf your partner has an STI, is it at all possible that they didn’t have sex with a person outside of your relationship?When someone who is in a long-term relationship that the partners agreed would be exclusive is diagnosed with an STI, it can be heartbreaking. The first instinct is almost always to assume that their partner has cheated on them. While in many cases that may be true, it isn’t always.If you both weren’t tested before starting the relationship, or if you are early in the relationship, it’s possible that your partner might have had an asymptomatic infection since before you got together. They also might have only infected you recently even if you’ve been involved for years.How You Can Get Chlamydia and STIs Without Cheating
9
Could They Have an STI Without Cheating?Jag Images/Cultura/Getty ImagesIf your partner has an STI, is it at all possible that they didn’t have sex with a person outside of your relationship?When someone who is in a long-term relationship that the partners agreed would be exclusive is diagnosed with an STI, it can be heartbreaking. The first instinct is almost always to assume that their partner has cheated on them. While in many cases that may be true, it isn’t always.If you both weren’t tested before starting the relationship, or if you are early in the relationship, it’s possible that your partner might have had an asymptomatic infection since before you got together. They also might have only infected you recently even if you’ve been involved for years.How You Can Get Chlamydia and STIs Without Cheating
Could They Have an STI Without Cheating?
Jag Images/Cultura/Getty Images
If your partner has an STI, is it at all possible that they didn’t have sex with a person outside of your relationship?
When someone who is in a long-term relationship that the partners agreed would be exclusive is diagnosed with an STI, it can be heartbreaking. The first instinct is almost always to assume that their partner has cheated on them. While in many cases that may be true, it isn’t always.
If you both weren’t tested before starting the relationship, or if you are early in the relationship, it’s possible that your partner might have had an asymptomatic infection since before you got together. They also might have only infected you recently even if you’ve been involved for years.
How You Can Get Chlamydia and STIs Without Cheating
10Can I Get HIV From Oral Sex With a Prostitute?BSIP/UIG/Getty ImagesCan you get HIV from oral sex with a sex worker you paid for sex?This specific question blends several misconceptions, including:That the main STI risk of oral sex is HIVThat all sex workers have HIVThat STIs are transmitted every time you have sexNone of those statements is true.The risk of acquiring HIV through oral sex may be relatively low. However, diseases like herpes, gonorrhea, and syphilis can all be spread quite easily during oral sex.It’s a good idea to use protection whenever you engage in any type of commercial sex (or casual sex). Not doing so potentially puts you at substantial risk. Besides, if you have the means to purchase oral sex, then you should have the means to take precautions in advance.What Is Oral Sex?
10
Can I Get HIV From Oral Sex With a Prostitute?BSIP/UIG/Getty ImagesCan you get HIV from oral sex with a sex worker you paid for sex?This specific question blends several misconceptions, including:That the main STI risk of oral sex is HIVThat all sex workers have HIVThat STIs are transmitted every time you have sexNone of those statements is true.The risk of acquiring HIV through oral sex may be relatively low. However, diseases like herpes, gonorrhea, and syphilis can all be spread quite easily during oral sex.It’s a good idea to use protection whenever you engage in any type of commercial sex (or casual sex). Not doing so potentially puts you at substantial risk. Besides, if you have the means to purchase oral sex, then you should have the means to take precautions in advance.What Is Oral Sex?
Can I Get HIV From Oral Sex With a Prostitute?
BSIP/UIG/Getty Images
Can you get HIV from oral sex with a sex worker you paid for sex?
This specific question blends several misconceptions, including:
None of those statements is true.
The risk of acquiring HIV through oral sex may be relatively low. However, diseases like herpes, gonorrhea, and syphilis can all be spread quite easily during oral sex.
It’s a good idea to use protection whenever you engage in any type of commercial sex (or casual sex). Not doing so potentially puts you at substantial risk. Besides, if you have the means to purchase oral sex, then you should have the means to take precautions in advance.
What Is Oral Sex?
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Lee KC, Ngo-metzger Q, Wolff T, Chowdhury J, Lefevre ML, Meyers DS.Sexually transmitted infections: Recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.Am Fam Physician. 2016;94(11):907-915.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About genital herpes.Menezes Filho JR, Sardinha JCG, Galbán E, Saraceni V, Talhari C.Effectiveness of syndromic management for male patients with urethral discharge symptoms in Amazonas, Brazil.An Bras Dermatol. 2017;92(6):779–784. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20175453Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About STI risk and oral sex.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About HPV.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Lee KC, Ngo-metzger Q, Wolff T, Chowdhury J, Lefevre ML, Meyers DS.Sexually transmitted infections: Recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.Am Fam Physician. 2016;94(11):907-915.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About genital herpes.Menezes Filho JR, Sardinha JCG, Galbán E, Saraceni V, Talhari C.Effectiveness of syndromic management for male patients with urethral discharge symptoms in Amazonas, Brazil.An Bras Dermatol. 2017;92(6):779–784. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20175453Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About STI risk and oral sex.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About HPV.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Lee KC, Ngo-metzger Q, Wolff T, Chowdhury J, Lefevre ML, Meyers DS.Sexually transmitted infections: Recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.Am Fam Physician. 2016;94(11):907-915.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About genital herpes.Menezes Filho JR, Sardinha JCG, Galbán E, Saraceni V, Talhari C.Effectiveness of syndromic management for male patients with urethral discharge symptoms in Amazonas, Brazil.An Bras Dermatol. 2017;92(6):779–784. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20175453Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About STI risk and oral sex.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About HPV.
Lee KC, Ngo-metzger Q, Wolff T, Chowdhury J, Lefevre ML, Meyers DS.Sexually transmitted infections: Recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.Am Fam Physician. 2016;94(11):907-915.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About genital herpes.
Menezes Filho JR, Sardinha JCG, Galbán E, Saraceni V, Talhari C.Effectiveness of syndromic management for male patients with urethral discharge symptoms in Amazonas, Brazil.An Bras Dermatol. 2017;92(6):779–784. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20175453
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About STI risk and oral sex.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About HPV.
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