Some types of infections can be spread from one person to another through any type of sexual contact, including anal, oral and vaginal sex. These infections are called sexually transmitted infections or STIs. Common STIs are:
Hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C can also be spread through sexual contact.
You can have an STI without having any symptoms. Many STIs don’t have symptoms, especially when the infection first starts. Finding and treating an STI early can lower the chances of having medical complications, and can prevent the infection from spreading to sexual partners.
As with any type of infection, prevention is important.