If you think you might have symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), get checked out. Don’t just hope the STI will go away. It won’t!
Most county health departments have special STI clinics. Private doctors also treat STIs. If you don’t know where to get help, call your local family planning clinic for information. No matter where you get treated, your case will be kept private.
You may feel embarrassed about having an STI. It may be hard for you to go to a doctor or clinic for help. But you must get treatment because it’s the only way you’ll get well.
Most STIs can be treated with antibiotics. Do exactly what your doctor tells you. Be sure to use all of your medicine.
You also must tell your sexual partner(s). If they aren’t treated, they can spread the STI. They might even give it to you again. Remember that using condoms can protect you from most sexually transmitted infections.