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.
Viral Suppression: HIV Treatment, Undetectable Viral Load, and U=U
Viral suppression means HIV treatment has reduced the virus to a very low level, protecting health and preventing sexual transmission when viral load stays undetectable.
Undetectable Equals Untransmittable: HIV, U=U, and Sexual Health
Undetectable equals untransmittable, or U=U, means a person with HIV who maintains a sustained undetectable viral load does not sexually transmit HIV.
Serodiscordant Couple: Different HIV Status, U=U, and Prevention
A serodiscordant couple has different HIV statuses. Effective treatment, U=U, PrEP, and appropriate care can support healthy sex and relationships.
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.
Mycoplasma Genitalium: Symptoms, Testing, and Treatment
Mycoplasma genitalium is a bacterial STI that can cause urethritis, cervicitis, and pelvic inflammation and may be difficult to treat because of antibiotic resistance.