By Cornelia Postma
Let’s be real—STIs and STI testing are probably not your go-to conversation starter. But they should be something we all feel confident talking about. Whether you’re swiping right, deep in a situationship, or just keeping it casual, knowing what’s up with your sexual health is a total game-changer.
So today, we’re stripping away the shame, confusion, and awkwardness to give you the info you actually need about STIs. What they are, how to tell the difference, what to look out for, and why getting tested early is one of the most empowering things you can do for yourself.
Let’s get into it.
First Things First—What Is an STI?
STI stands for sexually transmitted infection, and yep—it’s exactly what it sounds like. Infections that are spread primarily through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, oral sex, and sometimes even skin-to-skin contact.
Now here’s the kicker: many STIs don’t show obvious symptoms (or any at all), which means you could have one and not even know. That’s why routine testing is so important, even if you feel perfectly fine.
Listen to our Womankind Podcast Episode on STI’s and HIV
STIs can be caused by bacteria (like chlamydia and gonorrhoea), viruses (like HPV, HIV, and herpes), or parasites (like trichomoniasis). Some are super common and easily treated. Others need long-term management. But the sooner you know, the sooner you can take action.
Let’s Break It Down: Common STIs and What to Look Out For
Now let’s talk specifics. Each STI behaves differently, and the symptoms (when they do appear) can vary depending on your body. Here’s what you need to know:
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs, especially among young people—and it’s often silent. When symptoms do show up, they might include pain during sex, a burning sensation when you pee, or unusual discharge. People with vaginas might also experience spotting between periods or lower abdominal pain. If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can affect fertility. The good news? It’s easily treated with antibiotics. A quick test, a simple script, and you’re sorted.
Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is often found alongside chlamydia, and it can affect more than just your genitals—it can also infect the rectum, throat, and eyes. Symptoms are similar: think burning when you pee, unusual discharge, or pain during sex. If it spreads, it can cause serious health problems, including infertility and joint issues. Luckily, with the right antibiotics, it’s totally treatable—but antibiotic resistance is growing, which means early detection is more important than ever.
Syphilis
Syphilis has a bit of a dramatic flair—it arrives in stages. First, a painless sore (called a chancre) shows up where the infection entered the body. It may go unnoticed, especially if it’s internal. Then, it disappears… but the infection hasn’t. It can resurface with a body rash, fever, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes. If untreated for years, syphilis can cause brain, heart, and nerve damage. It sounds scary, but again: early testing and treatment can clear it up with a simple injection.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
HPV is incredibly common—most sexually active people will get it at some point. The tricky part? Most of the time, there are no symptoms, and your body clears it on its own. But some strains of HPV cause genital warts, and others are linked to cervical and other types of cancer. Regular Pap smears and HPV tests can detect abnormal cells early, and there’s also a vaccine that protects against the most dangerous strains. If you haven’t had it yet, it’s never too late to talk to your doc.
Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2)
Herpes comes in two types: HSV-1 (usually oral) and HSV-2 (usually genital), but both can be spread through oral or genital contact. The classic symptom? Painful blisters or sores. But many people don’t show any symptoms at all—and may only find out through a blood test or during an outbreak. Herpes isn’t curable, but it’s manageable. Antiviral meds can reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks, and suppressive therapy can lower the risk of passing it to a partner.
HIV
HIV affects the immune system, and if left untreated, can lead to AIDS. In the early stages, symptoms might feel like the flu—fever, chills, fatigue, sore throat—but they usually go away, and the virus quietly continues affecting the body. Today, HIV is not a death sentence. With antiretroviral therapy (ART), people with HIV can live long, healthy lives—and with early treatment, they can even reduce their viral load to undetectable levels, meaning the virus can’t be passed on. Testing regularly means catching it early and staying in control.
Trichomoniasis
Often overlooked, trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection that’s more common than you think. It can cause itching, burning, soreness, and unusual discharge, especially in people with vaginas. But just like the others, many people don’t have any symptoms. It’s easily treated with antibiotics once diagnosed.
Why Early Testing Is Everything
If there’s one thing we want you to take away from this—it’s this. You can’t always see or feel an STI. The idea that you’ll “know” if something is wrong? Not always true. That’s why regular STI screenings should be part of your self-care routine, just like skincare, gym time, or therapy.
Early testing means:
- You get treatment quickly, before complications set in
- You protect your partners and break the cycle of transmission
- You ditch the stress of “what if” and enjoy your sex life confidently
Try our STI quiz to help narrow down the testkit you might need
And if you’re wondering when to test:
- After unprotected sex
- Before starting a new relationship
- If you’ve had multiple partners
- If you notice anything out of the ordinary
- Or just once a year, as a check-in with your body
Your Body. Your Rules. Your Health.
STIs aren’t a punishment or a reflection of your worth. They’re medical conditions—nothing more, nothing less. And knowing your status isn’t just responsible. It’s empowering. It means you’re choosing your health, your peace of mind, and your pleasure.
So babe, whether you’re overdue for a checkup or just curious, make that appointment. Prioritising your sexual health is one of the strongest, sexiest things you can do for yourself.
Ready to take the reins on your sexual health? Book your STI screening now. No shame. No stigma. Just you, owning your wellbeing.
About Zoie Health
Zoie Health is at the forefront of women’s wellness, offering quality, affordable, and accessible supplements tailored to the unique health needs of women. With a focus on synergy, Zoie Health’s products are designed to work together, providing your body with the comprehensive support it needs to thrive. With our online Zoie Shop and Pharmacy, our unique virtual consultations, and vast communities of women, we strive to provide good quality healthcare to underserved populations.
Sources:
Cleveland Clinic, WHO, Urology Health, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic
