All Health Topics

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Published March 24, 2026
• Reviewed by a UI Health Care Provider

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. You can get them through sexual contact. Some common STIs are gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, HPV, herpes, and HIV. 

There are many ways to protect yourself from STIs before, during, and after sex!

Barriers

Barriers help prevent contact between areas that can carry infection, such as genitals, anus, mouths, or fingers.

  • External (“male”) condoms: These are the most commonly available condom and roll over the penis. 
  • Internal (“female”) condoms: These go inside the vagina and stay in place with a soft ring. 
  • Dental dams: Thin sheets placed over the genitals or anus during oral sex.
  • Finger cots: Small covers that go over the fingertips for manual sex

You can buy these at most pharmacies, drug stores, or department stores. Many organizations, including Student Wellness, give out condoms for free.

Barriers can help protect against all STIs, but they only work if you use them the right way every time. Make sure to read the instructions.

Vaccines

  • HPV vaccine (Gardasil): Protects against the most harmful types of HPV, which can lead to cancers of the cervix, penis, anus, and throat.  It can also prevent some kinds of genital warts.
    • Many people got this vaccine as children. If you did not, you may still be able to get it as an adult.
  • You can get the HPV vaccine from your primary care provider or Student Health.

Medicines

  • Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) 
    • A medicine taken regularly to prevent HIV from unprotected sex or other exposures. 
    • Types:
      • Pill (every day)
      • Injection (different types, can be every 2 months or every 6 months)
    • 2-1-1 dosing: A pill taken only when you plan to have sex
    • You need a prescription to get PrEP. 
    • You can get PrEP from your primary health provider, Student Health, and sexual health or PrEP/PEP clinics (including telehealth).
  • Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
    • A medicine taken after possible exposure to an STI, such as after unprotected sex. 
    • Helps lower the chance of becoming infected.
    • PEP does not replace treatment. You should still get an STI test within a few days and get treated if positive.
    • Types:
      • HIV PEP: A pill taken every day for 28 days that helps prevents HIV after exposure.
      • Doxy-PEP: A single pill that helps prevents syphilis and chlamydia. 
        • This can be prescribed ahead of time to use “just in case.”
    • You need a prescription for PEP. 
    • You can get PEP from your primary health provider, Student Health, and sexual health or PrEP/PEP clinics

Testing and treatment

  • You can get STI testing during a regular check-up or at a special appointment if you have symptoms or think you were exposed. 
  • Different tests look for different infections:
    • Urine tests: Chlamydia, gonorrhea.
    • Swabs (genitals, mouth, anus, or open sore): Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomonas, herpes.
    • Blood tests: HIV, syphilis, herpes.
  • Most STIs can be treated with antibiotics. You may need a one-time injection, a single pill, or take pills for up to 1 week. Sometimes, one antibiotic may treat more than one infection.
  • HIV is treated with antivirals, either pills or injections. These are taken long-term, but they help keep the virus under control and prevent passing it to others.  

What about preventing pregnancy?

  • Condoms are the only method that protects against both STIs and pregnancy. 
  • Other birth control options include pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), arm implant, patches, vaginal rings, and surgical sterilization. You can get these with a prescription from your primary care provider, Student Health, or a sexual health clinic. 
  • You can get the O-pill, a hormone birth control pill, without a prescription. 
  • Emergency contraception (“morning after pill”) is also available if needed.

University of Iowa Family Medicine providers can help with primary care and sexual health needs. Schedule an appointment through MyChart, online, or by calling 319-384-7222.

University of Iowa students can schedule an appointment with Student Health and Wellness by submitting an appointment request on MyChart or by calling 319-335-8394.
 

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