Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are incredibly common, but misinformation and stigma can make them difficult to talk about. The truth is that having an STI does not mean someone is irresponsible, promiscuous, or unhealthy. Many STIs cause no noticeable symptoms, which means someone can have an infection and unknowingly pass it to a partner.

The goal isn't to make sex scary. It's to make it safer, more informed, and more enjoyable.

How Common Are STIs?

STIs are among the most common infections in the United States. The CDC's latest surveillance data show that more than 2.2 million reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis occurred in the U.S. in 2024.

But reported cases don't tell the entire story. Some of the most common viral STIs, including HPV and herpes, aren't counted in that annual total in the same way.

That's important because an STI diagnosis is not unusual. In fact, many sexually active people will encounter an STI at some point in their lives.

HPV: The Most Common STI

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 200 related viruses. Around 40 types can infect the genital area, anus, mouth, and throat.

HPV is extremely common, and most infections cause no symptoms and are cleared naturally by the immune system.

Some types of HPV can cause genital warts, while persistent infection with certain high-risk types can contribute to cancers including:

• Cervical cancer
• Anal cancer
• Penile cancer
• Vulvar and vaginal cancers
• Oropharyngeal cancers

HPV can spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Because HPV can infect skin that isn't covered by a condom, condoms reduce but don't completely eliminate the risk.

HPV vaccination is another important tool for preventing HPV-related disease.

Herpes: HSV-1 and HSV-2

Herpes is another extremely common viral infection.

There are two primary types:

HSV-1 is commonly associated with oral herpes and cold sores, but it can also cause genital herpes, particularly through oral sex.

HSV-2 is more commonly associated with genital herpes.

One important misconception is that HSV-1 does not turn into HSV-2. They are different viruses. However, a person can have both types.

Herpes is a lifelong infection, but many people experience few or no symptoms. When outbreaks occur, they can cause blisters, sores, burning, itching, or pain.

Condoms can reduce the risk of herpes transmission, but they cannot provide complete protection because herpes can be transmitted through skin that isn't covered by a condom.

Chlamydia: The Most Commonly Reported Bacterial STI

Chlamydia is the most commonly reported bacterial STI in the United States.

Approximately 1.5 million cases were reported in 2024.

One reason chlamydia spreads so easily is that many infections cause no symptoms, particularly in women.

When symptoms do occur, they can include:

• Burning during urination
• Abnormal genital discharge
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Pain during sex
• Testicular pain or swelling

The good news is that chlamydia is curable with antibiotics.

However, untreated chlamydia can cause serious complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and other reproductive health problems.

Gonorrhea: More Than a Genital Infection

Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae and can infect the:

• Genitals
• Rectum
• Throat
• Eyes

Gonorrhea can spread through vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

Throat and rectal infections can be particularly difficult to identify because they frequently cause few or no symptoms.

Another growing concern is antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea. The bacteria have developed resistance to several medications historically used to treat the infection, making prevention, testing, and appropriate treatment increasingly important.

Syphilis: The "Great Imitator"

Syphilis is a bacterial STI caused by Treponema pallidum.

It is different from many other STIs because it can progress through several stages and may remain hidden in the body for years.

Primary syphilis

The first stage may produce a painless sore, called a chancre, where the bacteria entered the body.

Because the sore can disappear without treatment, someone may mistakenly believe the infection is gone.

Secondary syphilis

A rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and other symptoms can develop. The rash can include the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Latent syphilis

The infection can enter a stage where there are no obvious symptoms.

Tertiary syphilis

Years after infection, untreated syphilis can cause serious damage to the nervous system, heart, blood vessels, eyes, and other organs.

The good news is that syphilis is curable with appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Syphilis and HIV also have an important connection. Having syphilis can increase the risk of acquiring HIV because sores and inflammation can make it easier for HIV to enter the body. People diagnosed with syphilis should therefore discuss HIV testing with a healthcare professional.

HIV and PrEP: Understanding the Difference

HIV is different from bacterial STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis because it is a virus that attacks the body's immune system.

There is currently no cure for HIV, but modern HIV treatment can suppress the virus to very low levels and allow people living with HIV to live long, healthy lives.

For people who are HIV-negative, PrEP, pre-exposure prophylaxis is a powerful HIV prevention option.

When taken as prescribed, PrEP dramatically reduces the risk of acquiring HIV through sex.

But there is an important distinction:

PrEP prevents HIV. It does not prevent other STIs.

Someone taking PrEP can still acquire HPV, herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis.

PrEP also requires medical follow-up and regular HIV testing. Some PrEP medications can affect kidney function or bone health, so the appropriate medication should be determined with a healthcare professional.

Why Condoms Still Matter

With all the advances in sexual health, condoms remain one of the simplest and most accessible tools for reducing STI transmission.

When used correctly and consistently, condoms can significantly reduce the risk of many infections, including:

• HIV
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis
• Hepatitis B
• Some HPV infections
• Some herpes transmission

Condoms aren't perfect because some infections can spread through skin outside the area covered by the condom. However, that doesn't make condoms ineffective. And why not have a little fun when using a condom, try flavored condoms, they help with taste, smell and offer another way to protect yourself. And what better way to start a conversation about safer sex or safer oral sex.

It means they are one important part of a larger sexual health strategy.

What About Dental Dams?

Oral sex can also transmit infections.

Gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, herpes, HPV, and other infections can potentially be transmitted during oral sex.

A dental dam provides a barrier between the mouth and the vulva or anus and can reduce exposure during oral-vaginal or oral-anal sex.

Dental dams are particularly useful for people who want additional protection during oral sex without giving up intimacy.

Does Limiting Sexual Partners Reduce STI Risk?

Yes.

Having fewer sexual partners generally reduces the number of opportunities for exposure to an STI.

That doesn't mean that someone with one partner cannot acquire an STI. A person can have an infection without knowing it, and an STI can be transmitted within a long-term relationship.

That's why partner communication and testing are important regardless of the number of partners someone has.

A healthier approach is to think about risk reduction rather than judgment.

Testing Is Part of Safer Sex

One of the most important things to understand about STIs is that you can't always tell if someone has one by looking at them—or even by asking whether they have symptoms.

Many infections are silent.

Depending on your age, sexual activity, anatomy, and individual risk factors, a healthcare professional may recommend testing for:

• HIV
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis
• Hepatitis
• Other infections when appropriate

Testing is not an accusation. It is simply another part of taking care of your sexual health.

The Best STI Prevention Strategy Is More Than One Thing

There isn't a single method that prevents every STI.

Instead, think of sexual health as using several layers of protection:

Condoms, dental dams, appropriate testing, vaccination, communication, and informed partner choices.

For people who are eligible, HPV and hepatitis B vaccination can provide additional protection against specific infections.

For people at increased risk of HIV, PrEP can provide highly effective additional protection.

And condoms and dental dams can provide barrier protection against many other STIs.

The Bottom Line: Safer Sex Doesn't Mean Less Fun

Talking about STIs doesn't have to take the excitement out of sex.

In fact, knowing your status, understanding your risks, communicating with your partners, and having the right protection available can make intimacy more comfortable and more confident.

No method eliminates every STI risk, but you can significantly reduce your risk by using condoms and dental dams correctly, limiting your number of sexual partners, staying current with recommended vaccinations, getting tested, and having honest conversations about sexual health.

Most importantly, don't let shame keep you from getting information or medical care.

Safer sex isn't about fear. It's about knowledge, communication, protection, and taking care of yourself and your partners.

At Condom-USA, we believe sexual wellness starts with education. The more you know about your body, your risks, and your choices, the more confidently you can enjoy a healthy and fulfilling sex life.

Listen to Sex in Check for more honest, judgment-free conversations about sexual health, relationships, pleasure, and safer sex.