Sexual Health
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Reactive arthritis (formerly Reiter syndrome) is joint inflammation that can develop after certain infections, including chlamydia and other STIs. It causes joint pain, eye inflammation, and urinary symptoms. It typically resolves with treatment of the underlying infection and anti-inflammatory medications.

Yes, STIs can be transmitted without penetrative sex. Some infections like herpes, HPV, and syphilis spread through skin-to-skin contact. Oral sex can transmit multiple STIs. Some infections can be passed from mother to baby during birth. Sharing needles can also transmit blood-borne infections.

Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus (usually HSV-1) and can be transmitted through any oral contact, not just sexual activity. However, HSV-1 can be transmitted to the genitals through oral sex, causing genital herpes. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are considered STIs when genitally transmitted.

No, yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of naturally occurring Candida fungus and are not STIs. However, they can sometimes be triggered by sexual activity, antibiotics, or other factors. Symptoms include thick white discharge, itching, and irritation. They are easily treated with antifungal medications.

No, you cannot get STIs from toilet seats. STI pathogens cannot survive long outside the body on surfaces. They require direct intimate contact or exchange of bodily fluids. While theoretically possible in extremely rare circumstances, it has never been documented.

No, you cannot get STIs from hot tubs or swimming pools. Chlorine and other chemicals kill STI pathogens, and they do not survive in water. STIs require direct contact with infected bodily fluids or skin. However, sexual activity in water carries the same transmission risks as elsewhere.

STI stands for Sexually Transmitted Infection, while STD stands for Sexually Transmitted Disease. The term STI is often preferred as many infections do not initially show symptoms or develop into a "disease." The terms are often used interchangeably.

Yes, many STIs can remain dormant or asymptomatic for months or years. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, herpes, and HPV often cause no symptoms initially. Someone can have and transmit an infection without knowing it. This is why regular testing is crucial for sexually active people.

The incubation period is the time from infection to symptom onset, varying by STI: gonorrhea 1-14 days, chlamydia 7-21 days, syphilis 10-90 days, herpes 2-12 days, HIV weeks to months. Many people never develop symptoms. This is different from the window period for testing.