STIs / STDs (Teens & Adolescents)

TeenThreads Health Hub: STIs / STDs (Teens & Adolescents)

CDC – Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

TeenThreads mission: No shame. No fear. Just facts + power — so teens can understand STIs, protect their health, and get help early.

Important: This page is educational and does not replace medical care. If symptoms are severe, sudden, or scary, get help right away.

Quick Jump

What STIs Are (Simple + Real)
What’s “Normal” vs Not-Normal (Red Flags)
Common STIs in Teens (Big Picture)
Symptoms (And Why Many STIs Are “Silent”)
Testing & Checkups
Treatment Basics
Prevention (Realistic + Teen-Safe)
Confidential Care & Getting Help
Myths vs Facts
Trusted Resources (Active Links)
40-Question Quiz + Answers

What Are STIs / STDs? (Simple + Real)

STI means sexually transmitted infection. These infections can spread through sexual contact (vaginal, oral, or anal sex),
and some can also spread through skin-to-skin contact in the genital area.

People say STD (sexually transmitted disease) too. Many health sites use STI because you can have an infection
without symptoms — and still pass it to someone else.

Trusted basics (CDC):
CDC – STIs (Overview)
CDC – STI Prevention
CDC – STI Testing

What’s Normal vs Not-Normal (Red Flags)

Often Normal (Not an STI by itself)

Having questions or curiosity about your body and health
Normal puberty changes (body hair, body odor changes, voice changes, growth spurts)
For many people with vaginas: normal discharge that is clear/white and not painful

Not-Normal (Get Checked)

Burning when you pee that doesn’t go away
New, unusual discharge, strong odor, or itching that keeps returning
Sores, blisters, bumps, rashes, or open areas in the genital area
Pelvic/lower belly pain, fever, or pain during sex
Bleeding between periods (for people who have periods) or after sex
Symptoms after a sexual encounter, or a partner says they tested positive

CDC – STI Testing (what to do if you’re worried)

Common STIs in Teens (Big Picture)

Teens and young adults are at higher risk for STIs because many infections have no symptoms, and because testing isn’t always happening early.
The goal is simple: know what’s common, test when it makes sense, treat fast, and protect your future health.

Major STIs you should know (CDC “About” pages)

Chlamydia (often silent, treatable)
Gonorrhea (treatable; needs correct antibiotics)
Syphilis (treatable; serious if ignored)
Genital Herpes (manageable; can come and go)
Trichomoniasis (treatable; common)
HPV (very common; vaccine prevents cancers later)
HIV (preventable and treatable; early testing matters)
Hepatitis B (vaccine-preventable; affects the liver)

CDC – STI Fact Sheets (browse conditions)

Symptoms (And Why Many STIs Are “Silent”)

Here’s the tricky truth: many STIs have no symptoms at first. That’s why someone can feel “fine” and still have an infection.
Testing is how you replace guessing with facts.

Common symptom buckets (not a diagnosis):

Pee symptoms: burning, urgency, or pain (can also be a UTI)
Discharge changes: new color, amount, or odor
Itching/irritation: inside or outside the genital area
Sores/bumps/rash: painful or painless (always worth checking)
Pelvic/lower belly pain: especially with fever or pain during sex
Throat/rectal symptoms: sometimes STIs can affect these areas too

CDC – Testing (when symptoms show up)

Testing & Checkups (How to Get Real Answers)

Testing can be quick and simple: urine tests, swabs, or blood tests, depending on the STI and the body area.
A clinician may also ask about symptoms and timing so they can choose the right tests.

Reasons to test (teen-realistic)

You have symptoms (even mild ones that won’t quit)
A partner tells you they tested positive
You had unprotected sex or a condom broke
You’re sexually active and want to know your status
You’re starting a new relationship and want a clean baseline

CDC – Testing (what tests exist and why)
HIV.gov – Testing Locator (U.S.)
HRSA – Find a Health Center (low-cost clinics)

Treatment Basics (What Happens If You Test Positive)

A positive test isn’t the end of your life — it’s a health moment. Many STIs are curable, and others are treatable/manageable.
The key is the same every time: treat early, follow the plan fully, and protect partners.

Big treatment categories

Bacterial STIs (often curable): chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis
Parasitic STI (curable): trichomoniasis
Viral STIs (manageable): herpes, HIV; HPV often clears but can cause cancer risk later
Vaccine-preventable: HPV and hepatitis B (vaccines reduce future risk)

CDC – Chlamydia (treatment overview)
CDC – Gonorrhea (treatment overview)
CDC – Syphilis (treatment overview)
CDC – Trichomoniasis (treatment overview)
CDC – Genital Herpes (management overview)
HIV.gov – HIV Treatment Overview

Prevention (Realistic + Teen-Safe)

Prevention isn’t about being “perfect.” It’s about reducing risk and protecting your future.
If you’re sexually active, prevention means barriers, vaccines, testing, and honest conversations.

Core prevention tools

Condoms/barriers used correctly reduce risk for many STIs.
HPV vaccine helps prevent HPV-related cancers later.
Hepatitis B vaccine protects against hepatitis B.
Regular testing if you are sexually active or have new partners.
Mutual respect + consent: you can say no, slow down, or set boundaries at any time.

CDC – Prevention
CDC – HPV (and why the vaccine matters)
CDC – Immunization Schedules

Confidential Care & Getting Help

Many teens can access certain sexual health services confidentially depending on state laws and clinic policy.
You can ask a clinic: “What services are confidential for teens in my state?”

If you’re worried right now

If you have severe pain, fever, fainting, or heavy bleeding: seek urgent medical care.
If you might have been exposed: testing is the fastest path to clarity.
If you feel unsafe or pressured: talk to a trusted adult or a professional helper.

HRSA – Find a Health Center
CDC – Testing (next steps)

Myths vs Facts

Myth: “If I don’t have symptoms, I can’t have an STI.”
Fact: Many STIs can be silent. Testing is how you know.

Myth: “Only ‘certain kinds of people’ get STIs.”
Fact: STIs are infections, not a personality. Anyone who is sexually active can be exposed.

Myth: “Getting tested is embarrassing.”
Fact: Getting tested is a health skill — like checking your vision or getting vaccines.

Myth: “A positive test means my life is over.”
Fact: Many STIs are curable, and others are manageable with treatment and support.

Trusted Resources (Active Links)

STIs Quiz (40 Questions + Answers)

Use these for learning, discussion, or self-check. Answers are short, practical, and teen-friendly.

Q: What does STI stand for?
A: Sexually transmitted infection.
Q: Can you have an STI without symptoms?
A: Yes. Many STIs can be “silent.”
Q: What’s one reason teens are at higher STI risk?
A: Silent infections plus less testing early on.
Q: What’s the most reliable way to know if you have an STI?
A: Testing.
Q: Name one common STI that is usually curable.
A: Chlamydia (also gonorrhea or syphilis with proper treatment).
Q: Name one common STI that is manageable but not “cured” the same way.
A: Herpes or HIV.
Q: What does “prevention” mean in STI health?
A: Steps that reduce the chance of infection before it happens.
Q: Can condoms/barriers reduce risk for many STIs?
A: Yes, especially when used correctly.
Q: What vaccine helps prevent HPV-related cancers later?
A: The HPV vaccine.
Q: Is getting tested a sign of responsibility?
A: Yes. It’s a smart health habit.
Q: What is a red-flag symptom that should be checked?
A: Genital sores, severe pain, fever, or unusual discharge.
Q: If a partner tests positive, what’s a smart next step?
A: Get tested and follow medical guidance.
Q: Can an STI affect the throat or rectum?
A: Yes, depending on exposure.
Q: What does “consent” mean?
A: A clear, willing “yes” that can be changed at any time.
Q: Is pressure after you say “no” healthy?
A: No. Pressure is not respect.
Q: What is chlamydia known for in many people?
A: Often having no symptoms.
Q: What is gonorrhea known for medically?
A: It needs correct antibiotics; treatment should be guided by a clinician.
Q: What is syphilis known for if ignored?
A: It can become serious; early treatment matters.
Q: Can herpes have outbreaks that come and go?
A: Yes, it can flare up and then calm down.
Q: Is HPV common?
A: Yes, very common; vaccination helps prevent complications.
Q: Can trichomoniasis be treated?
A: Yes, it’s curable with proper treatment.
Q: What’s one reason to avoid self-diagnosing STIs?
A: Symptoms overlap; testing guides the right treatment.
Q: What’s one reason untreated STIs can be risky?
A: Some can cause serious health problems if not treated early.
Q: If symptoms feel severe or scary, what should you do?
A: Seek urgent medical care.
Q: What’s a simple “power move” for sexual health?
A: Testing + knowing your status.
Q: Is an STI a sign someone is “dirty”?
A: No. It’s a medical infection.
Q: Are STIs only a problem for adults?
A: No. Teens can be affected too.
Q: Can you ask a clinic about teen confidentiality?
A: Yes. Ask what services are confidential where you live.
Q: What’s one place to find low-cost clinics in the U.S.?
A: HRSA’s Find a Health Center tool.
Q: What’s one official STI info source?
A: CDC.
Q: What’s one official HIV info source?
A: HIV.gov.
Q: Can early HIV treatment help people live long lives?
A: Yes; early diagnosis and care are important.
Q: Can vaccines prevent some infections linked to sexual health?
A: Yes (HPV and hepatitis B).
Q: If you feel embarrassed talking to a clinician, what can help?
A: Write your questions down first.
Q: What is “screening” in healthcare?
A: Testing to find issues early, sometimes before symptoms.
Q: If a condom breaks, what is a smart step?
A: Consider testing and talk to a clinician about next steps.
Q: What’s one sign you should not ignore?
A: Sores/lesions, severe pelvic pain, fever, or unusual bleeding.
Q: Are most STIs treatable or manageable?
A: Yes. Many are curable; others can be managed with treatment.
Q: What’s the TeenThreads bottom line?
A: Facts + testing + early care protect your health and future.

TeenThreads Final Word

STIs are health issues — not shame issues. If you’re worried, get tested. If you test positive, get treated. If you’re not sexually active, keep learning —
knowledge is protection.

Last updated: February 5, 2026

TeenThreads note: This page is designed for teens and adolescents. For urgent symptoms (severe pain, fever, fainting, heavy bleeding), seek urgent medical care.