Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for a sexually transmitted infection ("STI"). These are infections you can get through sex. They are also called sexually transmitted diseases ("STDs"). Most are caused by bacteria or viruses. Some are caused by parasites.
Many STIs can be spread through any type of sex. That includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex, as well as other types of sex play.
You might have been given antibiotics or medicines called "antivirals" to treat your STI. If so, it is important to take all the medicine, even if you start to feel better.
Follow the doctor's instructions about having your sex partners checked for STIs and treated if necessary.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Take all your medicines as instructed.
●Before you have sex again, make sure:
•You and your partner(s) have taken all your medicines.
•You are free from infection.
●Get tested again after a few months. It is possible to get an STI again, even after treatment.
●You can lower your risk of getting and spreading STIs if you:
•Use latex condoms every time you have sex.
•Limit the number of sex partners you have.
•Avoid sharing sex toys with different sex partners. If you do share, wash each toy or cover them with a condom before use.
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:
•You have sudden severe belly pain, or constant belly pain.
•Your belly becomes very hard or swollen.
●Return to the ED if:
•You get a high fever or chills, even though you took your medicines.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if you have:
●A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills
●Any of these symptoms after you finish treatment:
•Burning or pain when urinating
•Discharge or a bad smell coming from your genitals
•Pain during sex
•Vaginal or anal itching
•Anal discharge or bleeding
•Blisters, warts, rashes, or sores on your mouth, lips, or genitals
●Pain when urinating, or blood in your urine
●New or worsening symptoms
Patient education: Sexually transmitted infections (The Basics)
