You can get syphilis by direct contact with a syphilis sore during genital, anal, or oral sex, or by having sex with someone who is infected with syphilis. Sores can be found on or around the genitals, anus, in the rectum, on the lips, or in the mouth. Having syphilis once does not protect you from getting it again, even if you received treatment. Using condoms the right way every me you have sex can reduce the chances of being exposed to syphilis.

Anyone can get gonorrhea, regardless of gender or sexuality. It can cause infections in the genitals, rectum, and throat, and it is possible to have an infection on without having any symptoms. It is most common among people ages 15-24. It is important to test every area you use for sex. The basic urine test that is commonly offered will not detect gonorrhea in your throat or rectum.

Most people who have chlamydia have no symptoms. Symptoms may include discharge, burning sensation on when urinating and, less commonly, pain or swelling in the testicles. A person can also get infected with chlamydia in their rectum and throat. More than half of our patients that have an STI have a reactive chlamydia test.

The vast majority of HIV infections can be detected earlier then before. Why is this important to know? Early detection can lead to better health outcomes and less complications. It also prevents further transmission, since a large proportion of new HIV infections come from individuals who are newly infected and don't know their health status.

An undetectable viral load can significantly reduce the transmission of HIV through sex. Check out U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) for more information.

Although the most effective way to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV is to avoid exposure to body fluids that contain the virus, the reality is that not all exposures result in infections and the likelihood of infection depends on many factors. You CANNOT get HIV from kissing, hugging, sharing food, toilet seats, or sweat.