Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- Interim Guidance for Public Health Law §2308 to require additional third trimester syphilis screening for pergnant persons: Chapter 57 of the Laws of 2023 (PDF)
- Information about MPOX
- Monkeypox, now recognized by the World Health Organization, as MPOX, is known to be transmitted through close contact which includes intimate sexual contact. For more information on MPOX in NYS, please see the NYSDOH site. For more information on where to seek routine sexual health services, please see the Provider Directory below.
- Health Advisories and Alerts
- Office of Sexual Health and Epidemiology Sexual Health Review (PDF, Issue 5, Summer 2023)
Why STI not STD?
This site will now use the term sexually transmitted infection (STI) in place of sexually transmitted disease (STD). The word "disease" suggests noticeable medical problems, while many of the most common sexually transmitted infections have no signs or symptoms, or they are very mild. Even with no signs or symptoms, STIs can cause serious health problems, so it is still necessary to get tested and treated for STIs.
What are STIs?
There are more than 30 infections that are spread through vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Some STIs can also be spread through blood, particularly among intravenous (IV) drug users who may be sharing drug equipment (needles, syringes, or "works"). In addition, pregnant people with STIs may pass the infection to infants in the uterus (womb), during birth, or through breast-feeding. Without treatment these infections can cause major health problems such as not being able to get pregnant (infertility), permanent brain damage, heart disease, cancer, and even death. If you think you have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection, you and your sex partner(s) should visit a health clinic, hospital, or doctor for testing and treatment.
Where to get Tested?
To find an STI provider, please visit the Provider Directory.
