Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Learn about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) prevention, testing, and more. Protect yourself and others by getting tested for STIs.

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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). STIs are infections that spread from one person to another through sexual contact, including oral, anal or vaginal sex, and in some cases, through skin-to-skin contact. If you are sexually active, you may be at risk for getting an STI and many people with an STI have no signs or symptoms. The only way to know is to get tested.

Contact the Mayor’s Health Line for free, confidential, multilingual health information and referral services at 617-534-5050. The Mayor’s Health Line helps all residents regardless of immigration status or gender identity.

Questions? Contact us:
info@bphc.org
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How to Prevent STIs

Get tested regularly: Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) do not have symptoms, and testing is the only way to know if you have the infection. All STIs have treatments that can improve your symptoms, protect your health, and reduce your risk of transmission to partners.
Consider PrEP for HIV prevention: PrEP is available as a daily pill or an injection once every month for the first two months and then every two months for people who are HIV-negative. PrEP helps to prevent individuals from contracting HIV if they are at risk of exposure.
Use PEP after possible HIV exposure: PEP can prevent HIV if started as soon as possible, within 72 hours of exposure.
Consider Doxy PEP: Taking doxycycline within 24 hours after sex can help prevent chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, if you think you were exposed to one of those STIs.
Get vaccinated: Vaccines can prevent some STIs, including HPV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and mpox.
Use a new barrier method every time (like a condom or dental dam) for each sexual act, partner, and when switching between oral, anal, or vaginal sex.
- Condoms made from “natural” materials (such as lambskin) can help prevent pregnancy, but they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For STI protection, use latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene condoms. Check the product label to confirm what type of condom you’re using.
Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, follow cleaning instructions for toys and check for damage, and use condoms on toys.
If you are living with HIV, Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U). This means that when you are on effective HIV treatment and maintain an undetectable viral load, there is no risk of sexually transmitting HIV to your partners.
Expedited Partner Therapy: In 2011, the Massachusetts Legislature and Massachusetts Public Health Council passed a policy allowing qualified healthcare providers to prescribe medication for chlamydia treatment for heterosexual partners of infected individuals. Partners do not need a physician to see them for treatment. This legislation passed on July 1st, 2011 under code 128 of the Massachusetts Public Health Law. It is currently effective.

Getting Tested for STIs

Most sexually transmitted infections (STIs) don’t cause symptoms, so people may have one without knowing, which is why regular testing is important. Getting tested is the only way to know your STI status. Talk with a healthcare provider about testing and treatment options that are right for you. You can request STI testing without sharing details about why you would like to be tested. The information below provides general guidance on STI testing recommendations:

If you are sexually active, consider getting tested annually for some STIs, even if you don't have symptoms.
Get tested if you have symptoms, if you have a new sex partner, or if you or your partner have more than one sex partner.
Different STIs require different tests, such as a urine test (common for chlamydia and gonorrhea), blood test (common for syphilis and HIV), a swab (can sometimes be self-collected and is common for chlamydia and gonorrhea, and sometimes HIV) , or physical exam (common for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), genital warts, syphilis, genital herpes, pubic lice and scabies).
If trying to get pregnant or are currently pregnant, talk to a healthcare provider about getting tested for STIs.

Free or low cost and confidential testing is available at clinics throughout Boston.

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If you don't have health insurance or don't want to use your health insurance, you can still get tested. Call your healthcare provider to confirm the schedule. Find additional information and locations.
If you are a Boston Public High School student, your school may have a School-Based Health Center or Health Resource Center. According to Massachusetts State Law, if you are 13 or older you can get a confidential STI test without your parents' permission.