What are STIs?

STIs, or Sexually Transmitted Infections are infections that can be passed from one person to another during intimate contact. Caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses, or parasites, STIs can lead to uncomfortable symptoms or even long-term health issues if left untreated. With the right knowledge, protection, and regular check-ups, you can stay informed and safeguard your well-being.

STI Definitions

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Testing and Treatment

Find Clinics

Check out our STI clinic map.

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Order Online

Order a test kit from our partner Primary.Health

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Pickup Kits

Pickup at-home test kits from our office.

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Protection

Protecting yourself from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) is an essential part of maintaining your sexual health.

All of the sexual health items below are available for free at:

California Health Collaborative Hanford
331 W. 7th St. Hanford, CA 93230

  • External (Male) Condoms

    External (Male) Condoms

    An external condom or male condom is a thin cover that is worn on a penis during sex. They are made from different materials like latex, nitrile, polyurethane, polyisoprene, or animal skin. External condoms can used to protect against STIs during oral, anal, and vaginal sex. Lambskin or animal skin condoms DO NOT protect against STIs and only prevent pregnancies. You can purchase them in stores or receive them for free at clinics.

  • Internal (Female) Condoms

    Internal (Female) Condoms

    Internal condoms or female condoms are nitrile (soft plastic) based pouches that you put inside your vagina or anus. Internal condoms can be used to protect against STIs during anal and vaginal sex. You can get internal condoms prescribed to you from your primary doctor, clinic, or online.

  • Dental Dams

    Dental Dams

    A dental dam is a thin, flexible, square piece of latex that is placed on the vulva or anus. Dental dams can be used to protect against STIs during oral (mouth to vagina, mouth to anus) sex. Dental dams may be hard to find but you can purchase them online. You can also create a dental dam from an external condom by cutting the tip, then cutting through the side to the center.

  • Lorals

    Lorals

    Lorals is a brand of stretchy latex underwear that is worn during oral (mouth to vagina, mouth to anus) sex. Lorals Protection can be used to protect against STIs during oral sex. You can purchase them online at www.mylorals.com.

  • Finger Condoms (cots)

    Finger Condoms (cots)

    Finger condoms or finger cots are small latex covers that are worn on your fingers during sexual activity. They can protect against STIs during digital sex or “fingering.” You can purchase finger condoms at many stores and online.

FAQs

  • STI stands for sexually transmitted infection, which can be spread through sexual behavior including oral sex and penetrative sex or sometimes intimate skin-to-skin contact. Some common types of STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, HPV, and HIV.

  • You can get an STI by having unprotected oral, anal, and vaginal sex. It’s important to use a barrier method like condoms to prevent the spread of STIs.

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 1 in 5 people in the U.S. have sexually transmitted infections. It can even be more because people who are infected sometimes don’t realize it.

  • Yes. Not everyone who has an STI will have symptoms, but they are still contagious and can infect their partners, especially if engaging in unprotected sex.

  • Anyone who is sexually active and has had oral, vaginal, or anal sex should be tested. Everyone should also get tested during their regular check-ups. Newly pregnant people should also be tested for STIs. Click the “Get Tested” button to view different STI testing options available in Kings County.

  • Yes, you can get an STI after you have been treated if you engage in unprotected oral, anal, and vaginal sex with someone who has an STI. That's why it's so important to make sure your partners are tested and treated.

  • The only birth control methods that protect from STIs are external (male) condoms, internal (female) condoms, and abstaining from oral, anal, and vaginal sex. Birth control pills, IUDs, injections, rings, etc., do not protect you from STIs. You would need to pair these methods with a condom to protect yourself from STIs.

  • Yes, vaginal discharge is normal. Vaginal discharge can change during different times of your menstrual cycle. However, some vaginal discharge can also be an indicator of an STI, bacterial vaginosis, or a yeast infection. If you have vaginal discharge that has a color other than clear or white, or bad odor, or if the discharge comes with irritation, itching, pain, or discomfort while having sex, you might have an infection. Please notify a health care provider if you notice these changes.

  • It is important to share your STI status with your intimate partner(s). This helps stop the spread of STIs. If you’re uncomfortable for any reason, some health care providers will notify the partner(s) on your behalf. You can also use the anonymous partner notification tool called tellyourpartner.org. They will text or email your partner(s) anonymously on your behalf.