A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is a virus, bacteria, fungus, or parasite people can get through sexual contact. A sexually transmitted disease (STD) develops because of an STI and the term implies that the infection has led to some symptom of disease (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, cervical or liver cancer, infertility, Neurosyphilis, and chronic pain).

Symptoms vary between individuals – many people may not experience any symptoms at all.

People with STIs may feel ill, and notice some of the following signs and symptoms: 

•     Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
•     Sores or warts on the genital area
•     Painful or frequent urination
•     Itching and redness in the genital area
•     Blisters or sores in or around the mouth
•     Abnormal vaginal odor
•     Anal itching, soreness or bleeding
•     Abdominal pain
•     Fever

• Everyone age 13 – 64 should be tested at least once for HIV. Note: In the State of Tennessee state law mandates that you must be 18 years of age to obtain an HIV test from a clinic, physician or lab without consent from parent or legal guardian.
• All sexually active women under age 25 should be tested yearly for gonorrhea and chlamydia.
• Women 25 and older with risk factors should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year. Risk factors include having new partners, multiple partners or a partner who has an STI.
• Pregnant women should be tested for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C starting early in pregnancy. Repeat testing may be needed.
• Pregnant women at risk should also be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea starting early in pregnancy. Repeat testing may be needed in some cases.
• Sexually active men who are gay or bisexual, and men who have sex with men, should be tested for syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea at least once a year. Those with multiple or anonymous partners should be tested more frequently – every 3 to 6 months. They should also get tested for HIV at least once a year, and may benefit from testing every 3 to 6 months.
• If you are living with HIV, get tested for sexually transmitted infections, and Hepatitis C (STIs) at least once a year. If you have multiple partners or are otherwise at higher risk, screen every 3 to 6 months. Always test immediately if you notice new symptoms or suspect an exposure.
• Anyone who injects or shares injection drug equipment should get tested for HIV and HCV at least once a year.
• If you’ve had oral or anal sex, you should also talk with your healthcare provider about throat and rectal testing options.

Testing is still the only way to know for sure. Some men with gonorrhea have no symptoms at all. In women, gonorrhea symptoms are often mild, but most women who are infected have no symptoms. Chlamydia is known as a “silent” disease, because about 75% of infected women and about 50% of infected men have no symptoms. 

CARES 360 offers hassle-free testing to all clients at no charge. Cost should never be an obstacle to good sexual health – we’re here to help. 

Absolutely. We respect your privacy, and aren’t legally allowed to share any medical information without your written permission. We will never tell your parents, teachers or employer that you got tested, and we won’t tell them your test results.

We ask to see ID simply to confirm that your identifying information is accurate, in case we ever need to contact you about your test results. Keeping an accurate record of your visits also allows us to better understand your history and previous clinic experiences. This helps us to better treat you. 

We encourage you to bring your sex partners with you. If you have an STI, your partners could be at risk. If you’re nervous to tell your sex partner about your STI, we can help. Our trained staff can help you tell them, or inform them anonymously that they were exposed to an STI.

Most bacterial infections (gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis, for example) are curable with antibiotics. Regardless, getting re-tested after three months will confirm that you’ve cleared the bacterial infection or have not gotten re-infected. Herpes, HIV and genital warts are all caused by viruses. Although there are medicines to treat the infections, no cure is possible at this time.

• Talk with your partner. It’s important that you know how many other partners he/she has had or currently has, and if he/she has been tested recently for STIs, including HIV. 
• Wear a condom (a dental dam for oral sex) each and every time you have sex. 
• Don't use IV street drugs, and never, ever share needles. Many STIs are transmitted through blood.

Generally speaking, about 1 in 4 young adults have an STI. But because many who are infected don't realize it, this number could be even higher.

Yes, Tennessee laws around medical testing for minors under the age of 18 years of age require parental/guardian permission.

Not always. Some doctors conduct a yearly sexual risk assessment. But often, patients must specifically ask to be tested for STIs. If you haven’t yet had an honest conversation with your healthcare provider about your sexual activity, then you probably haven’t been tested appropriately.

Certain STIs, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV and syphilis, can pass from a pregnant woman to the fetus in her womb. With HIV and syphilis, the effects can be life threatening. Other STIs, especially if left untreated, can cause a range of health problems in the infant. Potential problems include deafness, blindness and intellectual disability.

Not necessarily. Many STIs can stay hidden with no symptoms for years. So while your partner may have given it to you, he or she may have had it before they were with you. The most important thing is for both of you to get tested and treated at the same time so you don't re-infect each other.

Yes. A common misconception is that you cannot get an STI from giving or receiving oral sex. But Gonorrhea and herpes are commonly transmitted through oral sex.

It’s possible to get Herpes through kissing, but with most STIs, the chances are unlikely.

Yes. You can get bacterial infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis more than once – even if you've been treated before. That's why it's so important to make sure your partners are tested and treated.

Yes. Cold sores on the mouth are a symptom of the Herpes Simplex Virus-1, and can be transmitted to the genitals as well as the mouth.

Are HIV and AIDS the same thing?

No. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a treatable, but not curable, virus that attacks the immune system. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is an advanced stage of HIV infection.

How is HIV transmitted?

HIV can be transmitted by five fluids: semen, blood (including menstrual blood), rectal fluids, vaginal fluid and breast milk. HIV cannot be acquired by hugging, shaking hands, simple kissing, coughs or sneezes, donating blood, eating food prepared or handled by an HIV-infected person or everyday contact with HIV-infected persons.

How can I reduce the risk of being infected by HIV?

Two of the best ways to avoid HIV infection are engaging in safer sex and avoiding shared needles when using drugs. CARES helps by providing PrEP, PEP and free condoms. We also offer free injection supplies and other dignity-based health services. Visit Our Prevention Page

How do I know if I’ve been infected by HIV?

Because HIV affects an individuals immune system seroconversion (the period when the body starts producing antibodies to fight a new viral infection, most commonly HIV) symptoms mimic so many other viruses and infections. Routine HIV testing is the only way to know your status. The Center for Disease Control's recommendation for HIV testing is:

• Everyone should be tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime.
• Individuals who are sexual active should be tested yearly as part of routine healthcare.
• Individuals who engage in sexual activity with multiple or anonymous partners should be tested every six months.
• Individuals who inject drugs, or engage in sexual activity with someone who injects drugs, individuals who trade sex for drugs or money, men who have sex with men, or women who engage in sex with men who have sex with other men should be tested every 90 days.

What communities are disproportionately affected by HIV?

African Americans and Hispanic/Latinos have significantly higher rates of HIV infection compared with other groups. Regardless of race, ethnicity or gender identity, HIV is diagnosed much more frequently among gay, bisexual and gay, bisexual men or women who have sex with other men (MSM). Adults aged 25-34 have the highest rate of new HIV infections in the US. This age group accounts for over one-third of all newly reported HIV cases nationwide. The 35 to 44 age group follows as the second highest.

Is there a cure for HIV?

No. But many drugs are now used to treat it. The sooner you begin treatment, the better. Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) has been very effective in slowing the progress of the virus. ART can help people living with HIV decrease their viral load. And once your viral load is undetectable, HIV is no longer transmittable. Early treatment and consistent care can lead to a normal, healthy lifespan. CARES offers world-class HIV care for those living in Middle Tennessee. Make an Appointment

How many people are currently living with HIV?

More than 1.2 million are living with HIV in the U.S. Approximately 40 million globally were living with HIV in 2024. Since the start of the epidemic, 91.4 million people have acquired HIV. Of these, 1.3 million became newly infected in 2024. 31 million were accessing antiretroviral therapy in 2024, and 73%of people living with HIV had suppressed viral loads. 13% of those living with HIV don’t realize they’re infected. Remember – when HIV is diagnosed early and treated right away, it may never advance to the AIDS stage.