How sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are spread
STIs are spread predominantly by sexual contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex
Some STIs can also be spread through non-sexual means such as via blood or blood products
Many STIs including syphilis, hepatitis B, HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes, and HPV can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy and childbirth
A person can have an STI without having obvious symptoms of disease
Common symptoms of STIs include the following:
Vaginal discharge
Urethral discharge or burning in men
Genital ulcers
Abdominal pain
Credit: WHO