For Youth
Sexually Transmitted Infections
STI stands for “Sexually Transmitted Infection.” These are bacteria or viruses that live in body fluids including semen, vaginal fluid, rectal fluid, and blood. The term Sexually Transmitted Disease or STD is still commonly used as well.
STIs are very common. 50% of sexually active young people will get an STI before the age of 25. STIs can be more common in some areas or demographics, your local health department should have data available for your area online. For Peoria, visit Archive Center • Sexually Transmitted Infection Reports
STIs are spread during vaginal, anal, and/or oral sex with someone who has an STI. Some STIs can also be spread by genital-to-genital touching or by sharing needles. Basically, any time you come into contact with another person’s sexual fluid (semen, vaginal fluid, rectal fluid) or blood, there is a risk you could contract an STI from that partner.
Many people with STIs have no symptoms at all when they test positive. If someone does get symptoms, mild symptoms could be itching, burning, unusual discharge or fluid in the genital area, rashes or bumps in the genital area, or pain when urinating. More severe symptoms can include jaundice, cold/flu symptoms that don’t go away, infertility, or death if left untreated.
If you have been sexually active, the only way to know for certain if you have contracted an STI is to get tested. To find a testing center, visit Get Tested | CDC NPIN or look in the “more websites and information” tab for verified adolescent friendly testing centers in the Peoria Area.
Bacterial and parasitic STIs can be cured. Viral STIs can be managed with medication.
Testing may require a urine sample, fluid swab of the mouth, throat, or genital area, or a blood draw.
The most effective way to prevent STIs is to not engage in sexual activity, also known as abstinence. If someone is sexually active, condoms are very effective at preventing the spread of STIs and preventing pregnancy. Regular testing and communication with partners can also lower your risk. PrEP is a medication that is over 90% effective at preventing the user from contracting HIV. If you think PrEP may be right for you, contact a healthcare provider.
To find a testing center, visit Get Tested | CDC NPIN or look in the “more websites and information” tab for verified adolescent friendly testing centers in the Peoria Area.
Pregnancy and Pregnancy Prevention
Pregnancy can happen any time semen, which contains sperm cells, enters into someone’s vaginal canal.
The only 100% effective method is abstinence, which means not having any kind of sexual activity. However, for people who are sexually active there are several highly effective contraception options. For learn more about each major type of birth control, visit Birth Control Methods & Options | Types of Birth Control
Sexual Health and Safety
Peoria Area Resources
- Central Illinois FRIENDS – Friends is a Peoria-based clinic providing free HIV/STI testing, as well as HIV prevention/treatment, LGBTQ+ care, mental health support, and more.
- Birth Control, STD Testing & Abortion – Peoria, IL
- Heartland Health Services – Primary Care in Peoria IL
- Heartland Health Services – Primary Care in Peoria IL
- Home – Jolt Foundation | Harm Reduction, Peoria, Illinois
- Solvera Health
- Positive Health Solutions | College of Medicine Peoria | University of Illinois College of Medicine
- STI & HIV Testing (309) 679-6655 | Peoria City/County Health Department
Center for Prevention of Abuse
More Websites and Information
Learning Resources For Parents
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Parents – amaze
- How to Have “the Talk” with Your Teen | St. Louis Children’s Hospital
- When To Talk To Your Child About Sexual Health – Mayo Clinic Press
- When & How to Talk With Your Child About Sex – HealthyChildren.org
- Community
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) | STI | CDC
- HealthyChildren.org – From the American Academy of Pediatrics
- Dating & Sex – HealthyChildren.org
- Adolescent Sexuality: Talk the Talk Before They Walk the Walk – HealthyChildren.org
- Puberty – HealthyChildren.org
- Parenting Through Puberty [Paperback] | shopAAP
Learning resources For Educators and providers
- Educators – amaze
- Health Care Providers and Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health | Reproductive Health | CDC
- Adolescent Health Resources by Topic | Michigan Medicine
- For Providers: Teens Visiting a Health Clinic | Reproductive Health | CDC
- Bright Futures
- School Health and Child Care | shopAAP
- Contraception for Adolescents: Policy Statement | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics