Asymptomatic Infection: STIs Without Noticeable Symptoms
An asymptomatic infection is present without noticeable symptoms and may still be transmissible, making STI testing and screening important.
Test of Cure: Confirming Successful STI Treatment
A test of cure is follow-up testing used to determine whether an infection remains after treatment and differs from later testing for reinfection.
Contact Tracing: Finding and Supporting People Exposed to STIs
Contact tracing identifies people who may have been exposed to an STI so they can receive testing, treatment, and appropriate follow-up.
Partner Notification: Informing Sexual Partners About STI Exposure
Partner notification is the process of informing sexual partners about possible STI exposure so they can seek testing, treatment, and appropriate medical care.
Expedited Partner Therapy: STI Treatment for Sexual Partners
Expedited partner therapy allows certain sexual partners to receive treatment for an STI without first having an in-person examination.
Window Period: When STI and HIV Tests Become Reliable
A window period is the time between acquiring an infection and when a test can reliably detect it, making test timing important after possible STI exposure.
Scabies: Symptoms, Transmission, Treatment, and Sexual Contact
Scabies is a contagious skin infestation caused by microscopic mites that produce intense itching and can spread through prolonged skin-to-skin or sexual contact.
Lymphogranuloma Venereum: Symptoms, Proctitis, and Treatment
Lymphogranuloma venereum is an invasive chlamydial STI that can cause genital sores, swollen lymph nodes, and severe rectal inflammation.
Chancroid: Symptoms, Genital Ulcers, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Chancroid is a bacterial STI caused by Haemophilus ducreyi that can produce painful genital ulcers and swollen groin lymph nodes.
Antiretroviral Therapy: HIV Treatment, Viral Suppression, and U=U
Antiretroviral therapy treats HIV by suppressing the virus, protecting the immune system, and preventing sexual transmission when viral load stays undetectable.