Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
You can get an STI when you have unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal sex or by contact with an infected sore or ulcer on someone’s body. Condoms and dental dams are effective and reduce your risk of getting a STI when used correctly for each sexual encounter, but they do not provide 100% protection. Learn more about correct condom use from the Centers for Disease Control.
Student Health Services provides confidential counseling for Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) prevention and risk reduction. Student Health offers STI testing, diagnosis and treatment and immunizations for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and HPV for a fee.
Students can get the ChemBio HIV 1/2 Stat Pak Assay HIV test for free at Student Health Services. The test is a quick fingerstick and results are obtained within 20 minutes. Call 703-993-2831 to schedule your appointment.
Prevention and Precautions
STIs may show no symptoms. If you are sexually active, it is important that you know your STI status. Get regular check-ups and STI screenings. If you know you are infected you can take steps to get treatment and protect yourself and your partners.
STIs can be prevented by practicing safer sex, by abstaining from sex, by learning about your partner’s sexual history, and by avoiding contact with abnormal bumps, ulcers or sores.
Individual Mason students can pick up FREE external (male) condoms, dental dams, and lubrication from the sexual health dispensers: At Fairfax campus in the SUB 1 Patriots Lounge, on the wall between restrooms, or in the Johnson Center first floor lobby, on the wall near blue lockers during building hours. At Mason Square campus, outside the clinic in Van Metre Hall, B 102. At SciTech campus, stop by the clinic in Colgan Hall Room 229 during operating hours.
Signs and Symptoms
Some STIs cause no symptoms, and many people with STIs have no symptoms. Get tested to know your status. Some common symptoms can include:
- Unusual genital discharge
- Burning or pain during urination or a bowel movement
- Bumps, blisters, ulcers, or sores near the mouth or genitals
- Flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, and aches
- Swelling in the groin area
- Abdominal discomfort
Common STIs
Select an STI to get more information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website about treatments, and prevention and precaution tips.
- Bacterial Vaginosis
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Hepatitis
- Herpes
- HIV/AIDS
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Pubic Lice (“crabs”)
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
If You Test Positive for an STI
STIs are treatable and some are curable. If you or your partner is infected with an STI, you should start treatment and take precautions to avoid getting re-infected. An untreated infection can lead to serious health problems, even if you never have symptoms. Follow your healthcare provider’s treatment plan and recommendations.
Tell your partner(s) about having an STI. It may feel emotionally uncomfortable, but telling your partner allows them to protect their health too. Tips for getting the conversation started are available from the Centers for Disease Control and Get Yourself Tested