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Everything You Need to Know About S*xually Transmitted Diseases
Medically reviewed by Angelic
Symptoms
Causes
Types
Pregnancy
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Outlook
STIs vs. STDs
Often confused, s*xually transmitted infections (STIs) and s*xually transmitted diseases (STDs) arenât actually the same thing.
An infection âwhich is when bacteria, viruses, or parasites attack the body âcomes before a disease.
And while an infection may result in zero symptoms, a disease usually always comes with clear signs.
Think of it this way: An STD will always start out as an STI. But not all STIs turn into STDs.
Now you know the difference between the two, hereâs the lowdown on the types of STDs that currently exist, how to treat them, and, most importantly, how to prevent them.
STD symptoms
If an STD starts with a symptomatic STI, you might first experience:
pain or discomfort during s*xual activity or urination
sores, bumps, or rashes on or around the va**na, p***s, testicles, a**s, buttocks, thighs, or mouth
unusual discharge or bleeding from the p***s or va**na
painful or swollen testicles
itchiness in or around the va**na
unexpected periods or bleeding after s*xual activity
But remember that not all STIs have symptoms.
If an STI progresses to an STD, symptoms can vary. Some of them may be similar to the above, such as pain during s*xual activity, pain during urination, and irregular or painful periods.
But other symptoms can be quite different and depend on the STD. They can include:
fever
recurring pain
fatigue
memory loss
changes to vision or hearing
nausea
weight loss
lumps or swellingsTrusted Source
Underlying STD causes
All STDs are caused by an STI.
These infections are usually transmitted through s*xual contactTrusted Source, including through bodily fluids or skin contact via va**nal, oral, and a**l s*x.
Some of them never become a disease, especially if theyâre treated, and they can even go away on their own.
But if the pathogens that caused the infection end up damaging cells in the body and disrupting its functions, an STI will progress to an STD.
Types of STDs
While the list of STIs is pretty lengthy, there are fewer STDs.
They range from pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), caused by STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea, to some forms of cancer, caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
Below are the main STDs to be aware of.
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis are common STIs that can lead to PIDTrusted Source if left untreated.
But not all cases of PID are caused by an STI, as other bacterial infections can play a role.
Around 2.5 million womenTrusted Source in the United States have a reported lifetime history of being diagnosed with PID, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Although this infection of the female reproductive organs is classified as a disease, some people have no symptoms.
Those who do have symptoms may experience:
pelvic or lower abdominal pain
pain during penetrative va**nal s*x or when urinating
irregular, heavy, or painful va**nal bleeding
unusual va**nal discharge
nausea
high temperature
Antibiotics can successfully treat PID if itâs diagnosed early enough. However, they wonât treat any scarring on the fallopian tubes that may have occurred.
This scarring can make an ectopic pregnancy more likely and has also been linked to infertility, with around 1 in 10 people with PID becoming infertile as a result.
Tertiary syphilis
The early stages of syphilis âa relatively uncommon infection â are considered an STI.
The infection first appears as one or more small round sores on the ge****ls, a**s, or mouth. If left untreated, syphilis will move to the latent phase, which has no symptomsTrusted Source.
However, around a quarter of people will go on to develop tertiary syphilis from here âa process that can take between 10 and 30 years after the initial infection.
This disease can have serious consequences for several organ systems in the body, leading to:
loss of vision
loss of hearing
memory loss
mental health conditions
infections of the brain or spinal cord
heart disease
The earlier syphilis is diagnosed and treated, the less damage it does.
While penicillin injections are typically used to treat tertiary syphilis and remove the bacteria from the body, they canât reverse any damage thatâs already occurred.
Of course, if the disease causes problems with major organs, like the heart, other medications and procedures may be required.
Cancer
Although some strains of HPV tend to cause no disease, other strains can cause abnormal cell changesTrusted Source.
This can lead to cancer, including:
oral cancer
cervical cancer
v***ar cancer
pe**le cancer
a**l cancer
According to the National Cancer InstituteTrusted Source, most cases of HPV-related cancer in the United States are caused by HPV 16 and HPV 18.
HPV causes almost all cervical cancersTrusted Source, as well as over 90% of a**l cancers, 75% of va**nal cancers, and over 60% of pe**le cancers.
Symptoms of these cancers vary, depending on where in the body they affect. Swellings and lumps, bleeding, and pain can be common.
If cancer is diagnosed early, itâs often easier to treat with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery.
Some screening tests exist to detect pre-cancerous cell changes caused by HPV.
Ge***al warts
Some lower-risk strains of HPV can cause a disease called ge***al warts.
These skin-colored or white bumps show up on the ge****ls or a**s, with over 350,000 people developing them every year.
They are treatable, but not curable, as the virus that causes them may remain. (In some cases, HPV disappears on its own.)
Ge***al warts can also go away by themselves, but they can also come back.
If you want to get them removed, options range from freezing or burning them off to applying a chemical cream or liquid.
AIDS
HIV can damage the immune system and increase the risk of contracting other viruses or bacteria and developing certain cancers.
With todayâs treatments, many people with HIV live long, healthy lives.
But if left untreated, the virus can lead to AIDS, where the body becomes vulnerable to serious infections and illnesses.
People with AIDS may experience:
rapid weight loss
extreme fatigue
sores
infections
neurologic disorders
cancers
No cure is available for AIDS. And due to the variety of diseases that can be contracted as a result of a severely weakened immune system, life expectancy without treatment is around 3 yearsTrusted Source.
STDs and pregnancy
Some STIs can be transmitted to a fetus during pregnancy or a newborn during childbirth. But this isnât the case for all STDs.
Syphilis can be passed to an unborn baby, resulting in a serious infection, miscarriage, or stillbirth.
Ge***al warts can also pass to a baby, but itâs extremely rare.
PID can affect future pregnancies, making an ectopic pregnancy more likely and causing infertility in 1 in 10 people.
Hereâs what else to consider if youâre pregnant:
Get screened for STIs, including HIV and syphilis, to avoid complications by ensuring any infection can be detected and treated.
Speak with a healthcare professional if you have an STD. They may need to check that a medication is safe for you to use or delay treatment where necessary.
Note that a cesarean delivery may be needed âparticularly if ge***al warts make it difficult for the va**na to stretch.
STD diagnosis
Itâs hard for healthcare professionals to diagnose an STD based on symptoms alone, so theyâll need to do some tests and examinations.
Depending on the suspected STD, this may involve:
physical examinations
swabs of bodily fluids
blood tests
specialist procedures, such as keyhole surgery or a colposcopy
STD treatment options
STDs can have varied effects on the body.
There are a number of treatment options, depending on the condition, including:
antibiotics
other oral or topical medications
surgery
laser
You may also be advised to make lifestyle alterations, such as abstaining from s*x until treatment is complete.
Remember that, with most STDs, itâs not possible to undo any damage that the disease has already caused. And some STDs, such as ge***al warts and AIDS, arenât curable.
Tips for STD prevention
The best way to avoid an STD is to prevent STIs. And the only foolproof way to do that is to avoid s*xual contact.
But there are ways to make s*x safer and reduce the risk of contracting an STI:
Have an open discussion about s*xual history with a new partner before engaging in any s*xual activity, and decide what youâre each comfortable with.
Get tested regularly for STIs, especially if you have a new partner or multiple partners. Ask any partners to do the same.
Use a condom properly during va**nal, a**l, and oral s*x to help prevent STIs that spread through fluids. Dental dams can also provide protection during oral s*x.
Consider getting vaccinated for HPV and hepatitis B.
If youâre at a higher risk for contracting HIV, think about taking PrEP medication every day.
The bottom line
Many STDs are treatable, but not all of them are curable. Some can be life threatening, while others have less serious effects.
They are, however, all caused by an STI. So the best way to prevent them is to get regularly screened and practice safer s*x.
And if you test positive for any STI, seek treatment as soon as possible.
Lauren Sharkey is a U.K.-based journalist and author specializing in womenâs issues. When she isnât trying to discover a way to banish migraines, she can be found uncovering the answers to your lurking health questions. She has also written a book profiling young female activists across the globe and is currently building a community of such resisters. Catch her on Twitter.
Last medically reviewed on January 21, 2022
How we reviewed this article:
SOURCES
HISTORY
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Jan 21, 2022
Written By
Lauren Sharkey
Edited By
Tess Catlett
Medically Reviewed By
Angelica Balingit, MD
Copy Edited By
Jen Anderson
Mar 12, 2021
Written By
Heather Grey
Edited By
Delores Smith-Johnson
VIEW ALL HISTORY
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Everything You Need to Know About S*xually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Medically reviewed by Angelica Balingit, MD â By Lauren Sharkey â Updated on February 3, 2022
Symptoms
Causes
Types
Diagnosis
Complications
Treatment
Prevention
Takeaway
STIs are very common and can come with a variety of symptoms. Although some people might not experience symptoms at all, itâs still worthwhile to know what signs to look out for.
If left untreated, some STIs can cause serious damage to the body and be transmitted to other people through s*xual contact.
STI symptoms
STI symptoms can range from mild to severe â and they can affect different parts of the body.
After an initial infection, it can take days, weeks, months, or even years for symptoms to appear.
But itâs also common for some STIs, like chlamydia and hepatitis B, to be asymptomaticTrusted Source. This means people may not even realize they have it.
Here are the main symptoms to be aware of:
Pain when urinating or having s*x can be a sign of everything from chlamydia and gonorrhea to ge***al herpes.
Dark urine can occur with hepatitis B.
Unusual discharge from the va**na, p***s, or a**s can appear with chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis.
Itchiness around the ge****ls may be seen with the likes of ge***al herpes and p***c lice.
Bleeding between periods or after s*x is one of the most common chlamydia symptoms.
Pelvic and testicular pain can also occur with chlamydia.
Joint and muscle pain can also occur with hepatitis B.
Small blisters or sores around the ge****ls are potential symptoms of syphilis and ge***al herpes.
Even flu-like symptoms and rashes can be associated with STIs like HIV and syphilis.
On that note, itâs important to realize that most of these can be symptoms of other conditions and can also easily be mistaken for other health concerns.
Consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional if you suspect that youâve been exposed to an STI.
STDs vs. STIs
Did you know thereâs a difference between an STI and a s*xually transmitted disease (STD)?
STDs always begin as an STI. The initial infection occurs when bacteria, viruses, or parasites infiltrate the body.
A STI can become a disease if the foreign bodies begin to disrupt normal processes âthis usually means symptoms start appearing.
Examples of STDs include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which results from an untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea infection, and cervical cancer, which can be caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Remember, not all STIs will become an STD, even if they are left untreated.
Underlying STI causes
The major causesTrusted Source of STIs are:
bacteria, such as chlamydia or syphilis
viruses, such as HPV or HIV
parasites, such as Trichomonas va**nalis
These causes are primarily transmitted through bodily fluids during s*xual activity. This includes va**nal, oral, and a**l s*x.
But some can be transmitted from person to person via skin contact â for example, if you touch your partnerâs ge****ls with yours.
Although anyone can contract an STI, data showsTrusted Source that young people and men who have s*x with men (MSM) are at the greatest risk.
Types of STIs
On the whole, an infection is classed as an STI if itâs mainly transmitted through s*xual contactTrusted Source.
However, there are a few exceptions. For example, cytomegalovirus (CMV) can be transmitted through s*xual activity, but itâs not considered an STITrusted Source as it can be transmitted in a number of other ways, too.
Some STIs are much more common than others. HPV is the most commonTrusted Source STI in the United States, with chlamydia and gonorrhea also heavily reported.
Other common STIs include ge***al herpes, with more than 1 in 6 peopleTrusted Source ages 14 to 49 developing it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Syphilis is much rarer, but there has been a resurgence in casesTrusted Source in recent years, primarily among MSM.
HIV infections, on the other hand, have greatly declined since the 1980s, with almost 35,000 new cases occurring in the United States in 2019.
If treated promptly, most STIs are unlikely to become an STD. However, if left untreated for some time, the risk of an STD becomes greater.
Not all STIs can be cured. HPV is one example. Some HPV strains can lead to cancer, so getting regularly screened for abnormal cell changes is key to early diagnosis.
STI diagnosis
A doctor or other healthcare professional can perform tests and examinations to help figure out whether you have an STI or a different condition altogether.
These may include:
rapid fingerprick tests
fluid samples from the va**na, p***s, a**s, or any sores that have appeared
blood tests
urine samples
pelvic and physical examinations
Itâs important to get tested regularly if you are s*xually active and to consult a healthcare professional as soon as you develop any symptoms.
Early diagnosis means you can get treatment earlier and decrease the risk of complications.
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STI complications
In some cases, untreated STIs can lead to serious health problemsTrusted Source.
They can:
increase the risk of infertility
cause certain types of cancer
make a person more susceptible to contracting HIV
lead to organ damage and even death
Pregnant people should be aware that STIs can affect an unborn babyTrusted Source and the overall pregnancy, too.
Some STIs can be passed to the baby before and during birth, potentially leading to:
infections
pneumonia
meningitis
blindness
deafness
brain damage
stillbirth
Premature labor is also a risk of having an untreated STI.
This is further complicated as some treatments may not be safe during pregnancy. A doctor or other healthcare professional will be able to recommend a treatment and delivery plan that will reduce the risk to you and your baby.
As some STIs are asymptomatic, all of the above makes it even more important to get screened on a regular basis.
STI treatment options
Doctors can treat certain STIsTrusted Source:
Chlamydia and trichomoniasis are cured with antibiotics.
Gonorrhea can be cured with antibiotics. However, some drug-resistant strains of the bacteria have emerged that donât respond to traditional treatments and may be more difficult to cure.
Syphilis can also be cured with antibiotics. The medication your clinician chooses depends on the stage of syphilis.
Acute hepatitis B usually doesnât require treatment. If the virus doesnât clear on its own, antiviral medications are used to treat chronic hepatitis B.
Some conditions arenât curable, but treatments can help reduce their symptoms. Herpes, HPV, and HIV fall into this category.
For herpes, clinicians will prescribe medications known as antivirals to shorten an outbreak. Some people take these medications on a daily basis to help reduce the likelihood of an outbreak.
Daily antivirals are also used to treat HIV and stop the virus from replicating in the body. Within 6 months of treatment, the virus will become undetectable in most people.
Clinicians donât have specific treatments for ge***al warts caused by HPV. However, they may prescribe topical medications or perform procedures to help shrink or remove the lesions.
Remember that even if youâve been treated and no longer have an STI, you can contract the STI again.
Tips for STI prevention
The only 100 percent effective way to prevent STIs is to abstain from any s*xual activity.
But there are waysTrusted Source to reduce the risk of both contracting an STI and developing complications:
Use condoms and other barrier methods correctly to reduce the risk of coming into contact with bodily fluids.
Get tested regularly and encourage partners to as well. Note that STI screening isnât a part of a standard health exam, so itâs important to ask for specific testing to get your results.
Have open conversations with s*xual partners about your s*xual history and test results.
Consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis B and HPV.
If youâre at a higher risk of contracting HIV, speak with a healthcare professional about a preventive treatment called pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
The bottom line
Most STIs can be treated, if not cured. The key is prevention where possible and regular screening to ensure that any infections are promptly treated.
If you experience any symptoms, no matter how minor, itâs important to seek medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Lauren Sharkey is a U.K.-based journalist and author specializing in womenâs issues. When she isnât trying to discover a way to banish migraines, she can be found uncovering the answers to your lurking health questions. She has also written a book profiling young female activists across the globe and is currently building a community of such resisters. Catch her on Twitter.
Last medically reviewed on February 3, 2022
How we reviewed this article:
SOURCES
HISTORY
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Feb 3, 2022
Medically Reviewed By
Angelica Balingit, MD
Nov 23, 2020
Medically Reviewed By
Cameron White, MD, MPH
VIEW ALL HISTORY
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Yes, You Can Contract an STD Without Having Penetrative S*x
Medically reviewed by Fernando Mariz, MD â By Gabrielle Kassel on September 15, 2021
How it happens
S*xual transmission
Nons*xual transmission
Latent STIs
When to test
Incubation period
First-time testing
The bottom line
Marc Bordons/Stocksy United
An*****us. Cu*******us. Mutual ma********on. Many nonpenetrative s*x acts are *veryyy* much worth exploring from a pleasure perspective.
But many s*x-havers engage in these s*x acts under the assumption that s*xually transmitted infections (STIs) can only be transmitted through pe*******on.
This myth results in many explorers thinking theyâre being Safeâą, when in fact theyâve put themselves in a position where STI transmission is, indeed, possible.
Confused? Concerned? Donât be.
Below, experts explain exactly how an STI can be transmitted when a hole isnât being penetrated. Plus, exactly what you need to know about STI testing.
STDS VS. STIS
Both acronyms refer to conditions that are primarily transmitted through s*xual activity. STI stands for s*xually transmitted infection, while STD stands for s*xually transmitted disease.
Technically, a condition only qualifies as a disease if you have advanced symptoms, while the term infection applies if you donât have any symptoms at all.
In everyday conversation and medical resources, the two terms are used interchangeably.
How is this possible?
S*xually transmitted infectious particles donât âhideâ in the way back of your holes (e.g., mouth, a**s, va**na).
Instead, these infectious particles can live on any internal or external skin or in bodily fluids, explains Dr. Felice Gersh, author of âPCOS SOS: A Gynecologistâs Lifeline To Naturally Restore Your Rhythms, Hormones, and Happiness.â
For this reason, âcertain STIs can be spread anytime thereâs skin-to-skin contact or when body fluids are spread,â she says.
Important: Not every STI can be passed on through contact with every single section of skin or every single bodily fluid.
What segments of skin or which bodily fluids can transmit the STI depends on the particular STI. It also depends on where the STI is located, or if itâs considered a full-body STI.
What other s*xual activities can transmit an STI?
To be very clear, STIs arenât weeds: They donât simply sprout up out of nowhere.
For an STI to be transmitted, someone must be doing the transmitting. And for someone to do the transmitting, they must be STI-positive.
(And the only way to know if youâre STI-positive is to get tested, but more on that below).
According to Gersh, depending on what the STI is and where itâs located, an STI could be transmitted during any s*xual activity that involves the following:
the mouth, lips, throat, or saliva
blood or breast milk
va**nal fluid, pre-ejaculation (pre-cum), semen, or a**l secretions
the internal a**l ca**l, a**l entrance, or perineum
the va**nal ca**l, v***a, p***s, or testicles
That means that, in theory, an STI can be transmitted during any of the following s*x acts:
kissing
oral-nipple stimulation
oral s*x, including giving head and ri***ng
in*******se, including a**l and va**nal in*******se
hand s*x, including a**l fi*****ng, va**nal fi*****ng, v***a stimulation, and hand jobs
any play involving menstrual blood, blood from another part of the body, or lactation
What other nons*xual activities can transmit an STI?
Anything that involves the ingestion of, exposure to, or swapping of bodily fluids could result in the transmission of infection.
For example:
platonic mouth kissing
getting a tattoo or piercing
sharing s*x toys that havenât been cleaned
getting a blood transfusion
sharing needles
breastfeeding or chestfeeding
giving birth
self-inoculation
However, most of the fearmongering around nons*xual STI transmissions â for instance, that you can get an STI from a toilet seat, hot tub, or public pool â is *not* based in science under most conditions.
STIs generally cannot exist outside the homeyness of the bodyâs mucosal membranes for very long. And all the chemicals in pools and hot tubs kill off any infectious agents.
Is it possible for an STI to lay dormant in the body before presenting later on?
Before we answer this question, letâs talk about the word âdormantâ real quick. Most doctors donât use it anymore, according to Gersh.
âThe concept of a dormant STI isnât helpful,â she says. âItâs predicated on the idea that you can have an STI that just isnât doing anything in your body.â
The words doctors like to use instead are âasymptomaticâ or âlatent.â
An asymptomatic STI occurs when someone isnât currently experiencing symptoms that they can feel, see, or smell. According to the World Health OrganizationTrusted Source, the majority of STIs are asymptomatic.
âItâs possible to have an STI, not be experiencing symptoms, and still transmit it to someone else,â Gersh explains.
âItâs also possible to have an STI, not be experiencing symptoms that you can feel or see, and still have it be doing something to your body,â she says.
For example, someone can have human papillomavirus (HPV), not be experiencing any symptoms, but still have the cellular makeup of their cervix altered by the virus.
You can also have an STI, not be experiencing symptoms now, but begin experiencing symptoms later.
An STI cannot be detected by an STI test immediately after exposure.
The STI canât be detected because it hasnât been in the body long enough for the body to develop antibodies in response to it, which is what most STI tests are looking for.
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How often should you get tested?
The official recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source is that most s*xually active people get tested at least once a year.
But as Gersh says, âItâs good practice to get STI tested before every new partner.â
Why? Because thatâs the only way to know your current STI status and to reduce the risk of transmission.
Whatâs the incubation period for each STI?
The incubation period is the amount of time between when someone contracts an STI and when they test positive for that STI on a test.
If you get tested for an STI during its incubation period the test will come back negative. âThe incubation period is different for every single STI,â Gersh says. âIt ranges from anywhere between 2 days and 3 months.â
STI Incubation period
chlamydia 7â21 days
ge***al herpes 2â12 days
gonorrhea 1â14 days
hepatitis A 15â50 days
hepatitis B 8â22 weeks
hepatitis C 2â26 weeks
HIV 2â4 weeks
HPV 1 monthâ10 years (depending on type)
oral herpes 2â12 days
syphilis 3 weeksâ20 years (depending on type)
trichomoniasis 5â28 days
This means that, if you have unprotected s*x with someone, the move actually isnât to get tested the next day, she says.
âThat test will tell you if you were exposed to any STIs prior to having s*x with that person,â Gersh explains. âBut the test will not tell you if that person exposed you to any STIs.â
If you had unprotected s*x, Gersh recommends getting tested after 2 weeks and then again 2 weeks later.
Some may use the phrase âunprotected s*xâ to refer to ba****ck p***s-in-va**na in*******se. But here, weâre using it to refer to any s*x that took place without a barrier method.
That includes any s*x that happened with a broken condom, expired condom, or other condom mishaps.
What if youâve never been screened for STIs before â where do you start?
If youâve never been screened before and want to, congratulations on deciding to take your s*xual health into your own hands. Seriously, the importance of this step canât be overstated!
Start by finding a testing center near you by checking out this STI testing center guide. Before you head to the testing spot, make sure they test for all the STIs youâre interested in getting tested for. Some clinics only test for HIV, for example.
When you get there, be sure to ask explicitly for all the STIs you want to get tested for, especially if you want to be tested for oral or a**l STIs.
Most testing centers only test for ge***al gonorrhea, ge***al chlamydia, HIV, and syphilis unless asked otherwise, Gersh notes.
The bottom line
It *is* possible to contract or transmit an STI without having penetrative s*x. The best way to protect yourself and your partner(s) from transmission is for everyone to know their current STI status.
Gabrielle Kassel (she/her) is a q***r s*x educator and wellness journalist who is committed to helping people feel the best they can in their bodies. In addition to Healthline, her work has appeared in publications such as Shape, Cosmopolitan, Well+Good, Health, Self, Womenâs Health, Greatist, and more! In her free time, Gabrielle can be found coaching CrossFit, reviewing pleasure products, hiking with her border collie, or recording episodes of the podcast she co-hosts called Bad In Bed. Follow her on Instagram .
Last medically reviewed on September 15, 2021
How we reviewed this article:
SOURCES
HISTORY
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Sep 15, 2021
Edited By
Tess Catlett
Medically Reviewed By
Fernando Mariz, MD
Copy Edited By
Emily Schalk
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Donovanosis: What You Need to Know About This Rare âFlesh-Eating STDâ
Medically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH â By Kristeen Cherney on September 9, 2020
Definition
Causes
Prevention
Risk factors
Symptoms
Treatment
Outlook
Bottom line
Donovanosis is a s*xually transmitted infection (STI). Sometimes people call it the âflesh-eating STDâ due to its symptoms, but it doesnât actually eat your flesh. Rather, it causes ulcer-like sores.
Donovanosis, also called granuloma inguinale, is relatively rare. However, you can prevent it, as well as its potentially severe and concerning complications, with STI prevention and early treatment.
Using barrier methods like condoms can help prevent STIs, including donovanosis. Being aware of any unusual symptoms if youâre s*xually active and seeking care when you do can also prevent any complications.
Hereâs what you need to know about this particular STI.
What is donovanosis?
Donovanosis is caused by a bacterium called Klebsiella granulomatis. Like other types of STIs, donovanosis is transmitted via va**nal, a**l, and oral s*x.
Donovanosis has been called the âflesh-eating STDâ because it causes thick, ulcer-like sores that can eventually damage ge***al tissues.
When left untreated, nodules and permanent scars may develop. Sometimes this STI is mistaken for ge***al cancer.
How do people get donovanosis?
Donovanosis is primarily transmitted from a person who has the infection via va**nal or a**l in*******se. It may be transmitted through oral in*******se, too.
In rare cases, donovanosis has been transmitted through nons*xual, skin-to-skin contact.
Transmission from mother to newborn is also possible during childbirth if the mother has an infection.
Donovanosis occurs more often in subtropical or tropical regions of the world. Itâs not common in the United States. Most U.S. cases occur as a result of travel to areas where donovanosis is more common.
Once youâve been exposed to donovanosis, you may start seeing symptoms within 1 to 4 months.
How to prevent donovanosis
You can help reduce your risk for contracting donovanosis â as well as other STIs â by using barrier methods during s*x.
External and internal condoms are preferred preventive measures because they help protect you and your partner(s) from exposure to bodily fluids that may contain the bacteria.
Oral contraceptives like birth control pills or IUDs donât prevent STIs. Only barrier methods like condoms can prevent STIs.
The only way to completely prevent donovanosis or any other STI is by abstinence. However, you can greatly reduce your risk by using a barrier method:
every time you have s*x with a new partner
when you donât know your partnerâs STI status
If you receive a diagnosis of donovanosis, avoid s*xual activity until your doctor determines the infection has fully cleared up.
What are common risk factors for contracting donovanosis?
While anyone whoâs s*xually active is at risk for STIs, people between the ages of 20 and 40 are at a higher risk for contracting donovanosis.
This particular STI is also more prominent in the following countries and regions:
Brazil
the Caribbean
Southeast India
southern Africa
Papua New Guinea
If youâve had s*x with someone who developed donovanosis within 60 daysTrusted Source, contact your doctor for further instructions. They may recommend treatment even if youâre not showing symptoms of the STI.
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What are the symptoms?
Symptoms from donovanosis may include the following:
widespread ulcers around the ge***al area and a**s
bulging red bumps that may grow in size
painless red bumps that bleed and grow back
damaged skin
loss of ge***al tissue color
WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL CARE
Donovanosis needs immediate medical attention to help prevent long-term complications. Your doctor will diagnose your condition based on a physical exam and biopsy from one of the sores. See your doctor right away if you experience:
any ulcers in your ge***al or a**l area
red bumps that may or may not be painful
bumps on your ge****ls that bleed and grow in size
If you receive a donovanosis diagnosis, itâs important to reach out to your partner(s) so they can get tested, too. This can also help prevent the STI from spreading any further.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source also recommends HIV testing for all donovanosis cases. This is because having ge***al sores for any reason may increase the risk of HIV transmission.
How is donovanosis treated?
Since itâs a bacterial infection, antibiotics can treat it. Your doctor may prescribe one of the following antibiotics:
azithromycin (Zithromax, Z-Pak)
ciprofloxacin (Cetraxal, Ciloxan, Cipro XR)
doxycycline (Doxy-100, Monodox, Targadox)
erythromycin (EES Granules, Ery-Tab)
trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Bactrim DS, Sulfatrim)
Treatment typically requires a long course of antibiotics, which may last at least 3 weeks or longerTrusted Source. Your doctor will ask you to come in for a follow-up to ensure no new sores have appeared.
Sometimes donovanosis may recur. If this happens, youâll need a new dose of antibiotic treatment. Relapses may happen 6 to 18 monthsTrusted Source after the infection seems to clear up.
Surgery may be required to remove leftover scar tissue from the infection. This is most common in cases that receive treatment later on in the infection.
Whatâs the outlook for people with donovanosis?
Early treatment is essential in preventing possible complications of donovanosis.
Itâs also important that you finish your entire course of antibiotics â even if your symptoms have improved. This helps ensure that the infection is completely cleared.
It may take several months for donovanosis to completely clear up. Left untreated (or undertreated), donovanosis may cause permanent ge***al:
inflammation
scarring
damage
tissue discoloring
Itâs also possible for the infection to spread to your pelvis, bones, and internal organs. This STI may even cause damage to the a**s, urethra, and bowels. Cancers may occur in untreated ge***al ulcers.
However, STI prevention and early treatment can avoid these complications.
Contact your doctor right away if you have any early signs or symptoms of donovanosis, or if you recently had s*x with someone who developed donovanosis.
The bottom line
Donovanosis is a rare but potentially severe STI that can pose the risk of long-term complications if left untreated. Early detection and proper treatment can prevent any long-term issues, such as permanent ge***al tissue damage.
Using barrier methods like condoms can help prevent STIs, including donovanosis. If you develop any unusual symptoms, call your doctor for STI testing.
Last medically reviewed on September 9, 2020
How we reviewed this article:
SOURCES
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