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Sexual Health

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs/STDs): Frequently Asked Questions

Most sexually transmitted infections are treatable, and many are completely curable — but a large number cause no symptoms at all. Here is what to know about testing, treatment and prevention.

⚕Dr. Ankesh Gupta ·STI/STD & HIV-AIDS Expert, Indore · DM, AIIMS Delhi ·9 min read ·
Illustration of couples alongside sexual health symbols including a test tube, awareness ribbon, medical cross and conversation bubbles, representing STI testing, partner communication and confidential care
Testing is the only way to know. Many sexually transmitted infections produce no symptoms, so a person can feel entirely well and still pass an infection to a partner.

Question 1What are STIs and STDs?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections mainly passed through vaginal, anal or oral sexual contact. The term STD is generally used when an STI has caused symptoms or disease.

More than 30 different bacteria, viruses and parasites can spread through sexual contact.

Question 2What are the common types of STIs?

Syphilis

Bacterial. Progresses in stages if untreated.

Usually curable

Gonorrhoea

Bacterial. Rising antibiotic resistance worldwide.

Usually curable

Chlamydia

Bacterial. Frequently silent, a major cause of infertility.

Usually curable

Trichomoniasis

Parasitic. Often causes discharge and irritation.

Usually curable

HIV

Viral. Modern therapy allows a normal life expectancy.

Long-term treatment

Genital herpes

Viral. Recurrences can be suppressed with medicine.

Long-term management

HPV

Viral. Some types cause genital warts or cancer. Vaccine available.

Preventable by vaccine

Hepatitis B

Viral. Affects the liver. Vaccine available.

Preventable by vaccine

Bacterial and parasitic infections can usually be cured with appropriate medicines. Viral infections such as HIV, herpes and HPV may require long-term management — but highly effective treatment and prevention options exist for all of them.

Question 3Can a person have an STI without symptoms?

Yes — and this is the single most important thing to understand. Many STIs cause no symptoms, or only mild ones. A person may look and feel completely healthy while still able to transmit the infection to a partner.

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Testing is therefore important after unprotected sex, a new sexual partner, multiple partners, or any suspected exposure — regardless of whether you feel unwell.

Question 4What symptoms may indicate an STI?

!Unusual vaginal or penile discharge
!Genital ulcers, blisters or warts
!Burning during urination
!Genital itching
!Lower abdominal pain
!Pain during sexual intercourse
!Testicular pain
!Rash or swollen lymph nodes

These symptoms are not specific to any one infection — and several non-sexual conditions can cause them too. Laboratory testing is usually needed for an accurate diagnosis.

Question 5How are STIs diagnosed?

Depending on the suspected infection, testing may involve:

Blood testsHIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C
Urine testsChlamydia, gonorrhoea
SwabsGenital area, throat or rectum

Which tests are required depends on the type of sexual exposure, your symptoms, the time since exposure, and individual risk factors. People who have had oral or anal sex should specifically discuss whether throat or rectal testing is needed — these sites are commonly missed when only a urine test is done.

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Confidentiality is standard practice. STI consultation, testing and treatment are private medical matters. Concern about privacy should never be a reason to delay testing.

Question 6What complications can untreated STIs cause?

Untreated infections may lead to:

  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and chronic pelvic pain
  • Infertility in both women and men
  • Pregnancy complications and infection in newborn babies
  • Damage to other organs
  • Cervical and other cancers, from certain HPV infections

Certain STIs also increase the risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV — which is why prompt diagnosis matters even when symptoms are mild.

Question 7Can STIs be treated completely?

Many bacterial infections — including syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia — can be completely cured when correctly diagnosed and treated. Both the patient and the sexual partner may require treatment to prevent reinfection.

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Medicines should never be taken without medical advice. Incorrect or over-the-counter antibiotics can mask symptoms, delay accurate diagnosis, and contribute to antimicrobial resistance — drug-resistant gonorrhoea is now a recognised global concern.

Question 8How can STIs be prevented?

  • Consistent and correct condom use — substantially reduces the risk of most STIs
  • Regular testing, especially with new or multiple partners
  • Limiting the number of sexual partners
  • Avoiding needle sharing
  • HPV and hepatitis B vaccination, where appropriate

For people at ongoing risk of HIV specifically, PrEP (medicine taken before exposure) offers additional protection — and after a possible exposure, HIV PEP must be started within 72 hours.

Sources

Confidential STI testing & treatment in Indore

For confidential testing, accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment, consult STI/STD and HIV-AIDS expert Dr. Ankesh Gupta — Consultant in Infectious Diseases at Choithram Hospital, Indore. Early evaluation prevents complications and protects both you and your partner.

▣ Book Appointment Online☎ Call: +91 81304 49731
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