Be Safer, Play Safer: Know Your STIs (Quick Reference Table)

Learn about or refresh your memory about STIs. If you have sex with other people, this information is for you. Take a few minutes to get the basics so you can learn to lookout for STIs.

Disclaimer: This table provides a broad overview of common STIs and their general characteristics. The information should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. For personalized recommendations, diagnosis, and treatment, visit a Sexual Health Clinic / visit a healthcare provider. You can use this table for helping to know if you might have something, but you should always see an expert to confirm it and treat/manage it.

Remember – get tested for STIs. Every 3 months is recommended!
Some STIs are invisible. Detection and treatment sooner helps.

⚠ Some links on this table are broken. Info is correct, but to get more info, please search the name of the STI online and visit a government health website for accurate and reliable information.

If you are able to help out with providing new valid links, let us know.

This table is mobile-friendly: Scroll sideways and up and down to see all information.
STI Overview Table

STI Visible? How it spreads Common Symptoms Treatment Prevention Methods Curable? Health Impact
(if not cured/managed) Official Health Info Links to Photos

HIV/AIDS No (often no visible symptoms early) Blood, sex, mother-to-child, shared needles Early: Flu-like feeling; Later: Weight loss, infections, fatigue Lifelong medicine (antiretroviral therapy) Condoms, PrEP, clean needles, regular testing No (can be controlled, not cured) High Impact – Weak immune system, needs lifelong care WHO 🌍
CDC 🇺🇸
UK 🇬🇧
EU 🇪🇺
Africa 🌍
Australia 🇦🇺
Canada 🇨🇦
Germany 🇩🇪 [CDC HIV Images](https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=21471)

HPV Sometimes (warts); often no visible symptoms Skin-to-skin, sexual contact Warts in private areas; some types can lead to cancers No complete cure; can treat warts or cancer if it happens HPV vaccine, condoms, regular screenings No (some clear on their own; others stay) High Impact – Can lead to cancer in some cases WHO 🌍
CDC 🇺🇸
UK 🇬🇧
EU 🇪🇺
Africa 🌍
Australia 🇦🇺
Canada 🇨🇦
Germany 🇩🇪 [CDC HPV Images](https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=19618)

Hepatitis B Often no visible symptoms; can include yellow skin/eyes Blood, sex, mother-to-child, shared needles Tiredness, fever, dark urine, belly pain, possible jaundice Long-term antivirals if chronic; supportive care if short-term Hep B vaccine, safe sex, avoid sharing needles Partially (some recover fully, others have long-term infection) High Impact – Can cause serious liver damage or cancer WHO 🌍
CDC 🇺🇸
UK 🇬🇧
EU 🇪🇺
Africa 🌍
Australia 🇦🇺
Canada 🇨🇦
Germany 🇩🇪 [CDC HepB Images](https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=21513)

Hepatitis C Usually no visible symptoms until liver damage Blood (needles), mother-to-child, rarely sex Tiredness, joint aches, nausea, yellow skin/eyes (in later stages) Modern antivirals can cure Use clean needles, get tested, avoid sharing items with blood Yes High Impact – Can lead to severe liver disease or cancer WHO 🌍
CDC 🇺🇸
UK 🇬🇧
EU 🇪🇺
Africa 🌍
Australia 🇦🇺
Canada 🇨🇦
Germany 🇩🇪 [CDC HepC Images](https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=21512)

Syphilis Yes (painless sore, rash) Contact with sore, sex, mother-to-child Early: Single sore; Later: Rash; Much later: Organ damage Penicillin or other antibiotics Condoms, early testing, telling partners Yes (if treated in time) Moderate Impact – Can become severe (brain/heart problems) WHO 🌍
CDC 🇺🇸
UK 🇬🇧
EU 🇪🇺
Africa 🌍
Australia 🇦🇺
Canada 🇨🇦
Germany 🇩🇪 [CDC Syphilis Images](https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=11910)

Gonorrhea Often no visible signs; maybe unusual discharge Sexual contact People with penises: Painful urination, discharge; People with vulvas: Discharge, pelvic pain Antibiotics (ceftriaxone, etc.) Condoms, regular testing, treat partners quickly Yes (with correct antibiotics) Moderate Impact – Can cause pelvic issues, infertility WHO 🌍
CDC 🇺🇸
UK 🇬🇧
EU 🇪🇺
Africa 🌍
Australia 🇦🇺
Canada 🇨🇦
Germany 🇩🇪 [CDC Gonorrhea Images](https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=15360)

Chlamydia Often no visible signs Sexual contact People with vulvas: Vaginal discharge, pain; People with penises: Burning urination, discharge Antibiotics (azithromycin or doxycycline) Condoms, regular checks Yes Moderate Impact – Can lead to infertility if ignored WHO 🌍
CDC 🇺🇸
UK 🇬🇧
EU 🇪🇺
Africa 🌍
Australia 🇦🇺
Canada 🇨🇦
Germany 🇩🇪 [CDC Chlamydia Images](https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=19739)

Genital Herpes Yes (blisters or sores) Skin-to-skin, sexual contact Painful blisters, itching, can come back repeatedly Antiviral meds (acyclovir, etc.) Condoms, avoid contact during outbreaks No (virus stays in body) Moderate Impact – Repeated outbreaks, can affect well-being WHO 🌍
CDC 🇺🇸
UK 🇬🇧
EU 🇪🇺
Africa 🌍
Australia 🇦🇺
Canada 🇨🇦
Germany 🇩🇪 [CDC Herpes Images](https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=11152)

Monkeypox (Mpox) Yes (rash and lesions are visible) Close contact with infected people, contact with lesions/fluids, contaminated objects; can spread during sex Fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen glands, and a rash that forms bumps then scabs Supportive care; antivirals for severe cases; vaccination available Avoid close contact with infected individuals, practice good hygiene, vaccination if at risk No (most recover with care) Moderate Impact – Can cause painful sores and complications in some cases WHO 🌍
CDC 🇺🇸
UK 🇬🇧
EU 🇪🇺
Africa 🌍
Australia 🇦🇺
Canada 🇨🇦
Germany 🇩🇪 [CDC Mpox Images](https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=26754)

Pubic Lice (Crabs) Yes (visible as tiny lice or nits in pubic hair) Close personal contact (often during sex), sharing clothing or bedding Intense itching in the pubic area, irritation, visible lice or nits Topical insecticides (permethrin or pyrethrins) and combing of hair Avoid sharing clothing/bedding; maintain good personal hygiene; treat partners Yes Low Impact – Causes discomfort and itching but is not dangerous WHO 🌍
CDC 🇺🇸
UK 🇬🇧
EU 🇪🇺
Africa 🌍
Australia 🇦🇺
Canada 🇨🇦
Germany 🇩🇪 [CDC Pubic Lice Images](https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=21470)

Trichomoniasis Often no visible signs; may cause irritation Sexual contact People with vulvas (vagina): Frothy discharge, itching; People with penises: Mild or no symptoms Antibiotics (metronidazole or tinidazole) Condoms, regular testing Yes (can be cured) Low Impact – Usually curable; can cause discomfort if untreated WHO 🌍
CDC 🇺🇸
UK 🇬🇧
EU 🇪🇺
Africa 🌍
Australia 🇦🇺
Canada 🇨🇦
Germany 🇩🇪 [CDC Trichomoniasis Images](https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=18646)

Molluscum Contagiosum Yes (small, pimple-like bumps with a dip) Skin-to-skin contact (can be sexual) Painless, pearly bumps; usually harmless Often goes away on its own; freezing or creams if needed Avoid touching bumps; keep good hygiene Yes (usually clears on its own) Low Impact – Mostly harmless, no long-term issues WHO 🌍
CDC 🇺🇸
UK 🇬🇧
EU 🇪🇺
Africa 🌍
Australia 🇦🇺
Canada 🇨🇦
Germany 🇩🇪 [CDC Molluscum Images](https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=21842)

STI	Visible?	How it spreads	Common Symptoms	Treatment	Prevention Methods	Curable?	Health Impact (if not cured/managed)	Official Health Info	Links to Photos
HIV/AIDS	No (often no visible symptoms early)	Blood, sex, mother-to-child, shared needles	Early: Flu-like feeling; Later: Weight loss, infections, fatigue	Lifelong medicine (antiretroviral therapy)	Condoms, PrEP, clean needles, regular testing	No (can be controlled, not cured)	High Impact – Weak immune system, needs lifelong care	WHO 🌍 CDC 🇺🇸 UK 🇬🇧 EU 🇪🇺 Africa 🌍 Australia 🇦🇺 Canada 🇨🇦 Germany 🇩🇪	[CDC HIV Images](https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=21471)
HPV	Sometimes (warts); often no visible symptoms	Skin-to-skin, sexual contact	Warts in private areas; some types can lead to cancers	No complete cure; can treat warts or cancer if it happens	HPV vaccine, condoms, regular screenings	No (some clear on their own; others stay)	High Impact – Can lead to cancer in some cases	WHO 🌍 CDC 🇺🇸 UK 🇬🇧 EU 🇪🇺 Africa 🌍 Australia 🇦🇺 Canada 🇨🇦 Germany 🇩🇪	[CDC HPV Images](https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=19618)
Hepatitis B	Often no visible symptoms; can include yellow skin/eyes	Blood, sex, mother-to-child, shared needles	Tiredness, fever, dark urine, belly pain, possible jaundice	Long-term antivirals if chronic; supportive care if short-term	Hep B vaccine, safe sex, avoid sharing needles	Partially (some recover fully, others have long-term infection)	High Impact – Can cause serious liver damage or cancer	WHO 🌍 CDC 🇺🇸 UK 🇬🇧 EU 🇪🇺 Africa 🌍 Australia 🇦🇺 Canada 🇨🇦 Germany 🇩🇪	[CDC HepB Images](https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=21513)
Hepatitis C	Usually no visible symptoms until liver damage	Blood (needles), mother-to-child, rarely sex	Tiredness, joint aches, nausea, yellow skin/eyes (in later stages)	Modern antivirals can cure	Use clean needles, get tested, avoid sharing items with blood	Yes	High Impact – Can lead to severe liver disease or cancer	WHO 🌍 CDC 🇺🇸 UK 🇬🇧 EU 🇪🇺 Africa 🌍 Australia 🇦🇺 Canada 🇨🇦 Germany 🇩🇪	[CDC HepC Images](https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=21512)
Syphilis	Yes (painless sore, rash)	Contact with sore, sex, mother-to-child	Early: Single sore; Later: Rash; Much later: Organ damage	Penicillin or other antibiotics	Condoms, early testing, telling partners	Yes (if treated in time)	Moderate Impact – Can become severe (brain/heart problems)	WHO 🌍 CDC 🇺🇸 UK 🇬🇧 EU 🇪🇺 Africa 🌍 Australia 🇦🇺 Canada 🇨🇦 Germany 🇩🇪	[CDC Syphilis Images](https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=11910)
Gonorrhea	Often no visible signs; maybe unusual discharge	Sexual contact	People with penises: Painful urination, discharge; People with vulvas: Discharge, pelvic pain	Antibiotics (ceftriaxone, etc.)	Condoms, regular testing, treat partners quickly	Yes (with correct antibiotics)	Moderate Impact – Can cause pelvic issues, infertility	WHO 🌍 CDC 🇺🇸 UK 🇬🇧 EU 🇪🇺 Africa 🌍 Australia 🇦🇺 Canada 🇨🇦 Germany 🇩🇪	[CDC Gonorrhea Images](https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=15360)
Chlamydia	Often no visible signs	Sexual contact	People with vulvas: Vaginal discharge, pain; People with penises: Burning urination, discharge	Antibiotics (azithromycin or doxycycline)	Condoms, regular checks	Yes	Moderate Impact – Can lead to infertility if ignored	WHO 🌍 CDC 🇺🇸 UK 🇬🇧 EU 🇪🇺 Africa 🌍 Australia 🇦🇺 Canada 🇨🇦 Germany 🇩🇪	[CDC Chlamydia Images](https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=19739)
Genital Herpes	Yes (blisters or sores)	Skin-to-skin, sexual contact	Painful blisters, itching, can come back repeatedly	Antiviral meds (acyclovir, etc.)	Condoms, avoid contact during outbreaks	No (virus stays in body)	Moderate Impact – Repeated outbreaks, can affect well-being	WHO 🌍 CDC 🇺🇸 UK 🇬🇧 EU 🇪🇺 Africa 🌍 Australia 🇦🇺 Canada 🇨🇦 Germany 🇩🇪	[CDC Herpes Images](https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=11152)
Monkeypox (Mpox)	Yes (rash and lesions are visible)	Close contact with infected people, contact with lesions/fluids, contaminated objects; can spread during sex	Fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen glands, and a rash that forms bumps then scabs	Supportive care; antivirals for severe cases; vaccination available	Avoid close contact with infected individuals, practice good hygiene, vaccination if at risk	No (most recover with care)	Moderate Impact – Can cause painful sores and complications in some cases	WHO 🌍 CDC 🇺🇸 UK 🇬🇧 EU 🇪🇺 Africa 🌍 Australia 🇦🇺 Canada 🇨🇦 Germany 🇩🇪	[CDC Mpox Images](https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=26754)
Pubic Lice (Crabs)	Yes (visible as tiny lice or nits in pubic hair)	Close personal contact (often during sex), sharing clothing or bedding	Intense itching in the pubic area, irritation, visible lice or nits	Topical insecticides (permethrin or pyrethrins) and combing of hair	Avoid sharing clothing/bedding; maintain good personal hygiene; treat partners	Yes	Low Impact – Causes discomfort and itching but is not dangerous	WHO 🌍 CDC 🇺🇸 UK 🇬🇧 EU 🇪🇺 Africa 🌍 Australia 🇦🇺 Canada 🇨🇦 Germany 🇩🇪	[CDC Pubic Lice Images](https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=21470)
Trichomoniasis	Often no visible signs; may cause irritation	Sexual contact	People with vulvas (vagina): Frothy discharge, itching; People with penises: Mild or no symptoms	Antibiotics (metronidazole or tinidazole)	Condoms, regular testing	Yes (can be cured)	Low Impact – Usually curable; can cause discomfort if untreated	WHO 🌍 CDC 🇺🇸 UK 🇬🇧 EU 🇪🇺 Africa 🌍 Australia 🇦🇺 Canada 🇨🇦 Germany 🇩🇪	[CDC Trichomoniasis Images](https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=18646)
Molluscum Contagiosum	Yes (small, pimple-like bumps with a dip)	Skin-to-skin contact (can be sexual)	Painless, pearly bumps; usually harmless	Often goes away on its own; freezing or creams if needed	Avoid touching bumps; keep good hygiene	Yes (usually clears on its own)	Low Impact – Mostly harmless, no long-term issues	WHO 🌍 CDC 🇺🇸 UK 🇬🇧 EU 🇪🇺 Africa 🌍 Australia 🇦🇺 Canada 🇨🇦 Germany 🇩🇪	[CDC Molluscum Images](https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=21842)

The information in this table is considered correct at the time of publication and has been reviewed for accuracy by Grand Rapids Red Project (Michigan, USA) licensed health experts.

What ratings mean on the table

Health Impact Ratings:
- High Impact: Infections that can lead to chronic, life-threatening complications (e.g., HIV, chronic hepatitis, high-risk HPV leading to cancers).
- Moderate Impact: Infections that, if untreated, can cause significant complications (e.g., syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes).
- Low Impact: Infections that are typically benign or self-limiting (e.g., molluscum contagiosum).
The Health Impact Ratings are not official, they are only based off the characteristics and typical impact of an STI (our judgement). The higher the impact, the more critical it is you get STI tested and treated sooner – however regardless of the impact level on the table, you should still get STI tested and treated.

Need to get an STI test?

You should every 3 months if you have sex with various different people, or the same but multiple people.

CDC’s GetTested has a clinic locator for people in the United States. If you live in another country, search for ‘STI testing near me’ online.
STD Check is good for private testing in the US, but if you can’t afford this or live elsewhere, search ‘STI testing near me’ online or ask your doctor for options.

What ratings mean on the table

Need to get an STI test?

Further reading