UJ STUDENT HEALTH AND WELLNESS STUDENT GUIDE 13 STIs 101 – What you Need to Know & Too Afraid to Ask Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a reality many young people face, yet conversations around them are often clouded by fear, shame, or misinformation. This article aims to break the silence and empower youth with the knowledge they need to protect themselves and others. What Are STIs? STIs are infections passed from one person to another through sexual contact. They can be caused by bacteria (like chlamydia), viruses (like HIV or herpes), or parasites (like trichomoniasis). Why Should You Care? Untreated STIs can lead to serious health problems, including infertility, chronic pain, and increased risk of HIV. What Youth Often Wonder (But Don’t Ask) Can I get an STI from oral sex? Yes. STIs like herpes, gonorrhea, and syphilis can be transmitted through oral sex. Do condoms protect against all STIs? Condoms significantly reduce the risk but don’t eliminate it, especially for STIs spread through skinto-skin contact like herpes or HPV. If I’ve only had sex once, can I get an STI? Yes. Even one encounter can result in an STI. Using a condom is about being responsible, not ashamed. Will I know if I have an STI? Not always. STIs may be silent, meaning they don’t show symptoms right away. That’s why we treat partners who don’t show symptoms. Will people judge me if I get treated for an STI? No. Getting treated shows maturity and care for your health and your partner’s. Clinics offer confidential services.
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