Common Viral STIs
- HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)
- Herpes (HSV)
- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
- Hepatitis
HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)
- Transmission: Sex, skin-to-skin contact
- Common Symptoms: Most strains are harmless, some cause genital warts, some can cause cancer of the cervix, throat, anus, or penis
- Treatment: Medicine to treat and remove genital warts
- Prevention: Gardasil 9 vaccine protects against nine common strains
Herpes (HSV)
- Transmission: Vaginal, anal, or oral sex; skin-to-skin contact with infected area
- Common Symptoms: Sores on the genitals and/or mouth, painful blisters
- Treatment: Medicines to suppress symptoms and lower transmission risk
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
- Transmission: Semen, vaginal fluid, blood, breast milk, rectal/anal fluids
- Common Symptoms: Flu-like illness, fever, sore throat, fatigue, muscle aches
- Treatment: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) to maintain low viral load
- Prevention: PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) and PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis)
Hepatitis
- Types: Hepatitis A, B, and C
- Transmission: Hepatitis A through food/water, Hepatitis B and C through blood exposure, sexual contact
- Common Symptoms: Fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice
- Treatment: Oral medication for Hepatitis C, supportive care for Hepatitis A, monitoring and pills for Hepatitis B
HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)
| Type | Infection Sites | Transmission | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HPV | Genitals, cervix, throat, anus, penis | Sex, skin-to-skin contact | Genital warts, precancerous cellular changes | Gardasil 9 vaccine, medicine for warts |
| Herpes (HSV) | Genitals, mouth | Sex, skin-to-skin contact | Sores, painful blisters | Suppressive medication |
| HIV | Blood, semen, vaginal fluid, breast milk | Sex, blood exposure | Flu-like symptoms, low T-cell count | Antiretroviral therapy (ART), PEP, PrEP |
| Hepatitis | Liver | Food, water, blood exposure, sex | Fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice | Oral medication, supportive care |
Prevention and Treatment
- Regular screenings and vaccinations can prevent many viral STIs.
- Antiviral medications can manage symptoms and reduce transmission risks.
- Condoms, when used correctly, are effective in preventing the transmission of viral STIs, including HIV.
Diagnosis
- Clinical exam for HPV and herpes
- Blood tests for hepatitis, HIV, and sometimes herpes
- Rapid oral tests for HIV are also available
General Information
A viral STI is a sexually transmitted infection that’s caused by a virus. Unlike bacteria, viruses are not living organisms and need a host cell in order to replicate and survive. Some of the most common viral STIs are HPV, herpes (HSV), hepatitis, and HIV. Though they are all caused by viruses, each of these common STIs has a very different type of presentation.
If you're having any issues like lumps, bumps, or discharge, it’s a good idea to have your clinician check it out. Keep in mind that some people can live with a viral STI for months or even years without knowing that they have it, so if you’re sexually active (especially with multiple partners or partners with unknown statuses), it’s important to get tested on a regular basis.
Steps to Protect Yourself from Viral STIs
Step 1
- Get vaccinated for HPV and hepatitis B.
- Use condoms consistently and correctly.
- Have regular STI screenings.
- Discuss PrEP with your healthcare provider if at high risk for HIV.
- Seek prompt medical advice if you notice any symptoms.