STI's, sexually transmitted infections, have been stigmatized and demonized by society at large. Many people avoid conversations about STI's because of this stigma. We are here to tell you that STI's are actually an extremely common occurrence. According to the American Sexual Health Association, half of all sexually active persons will contract an STI by age 25. On this page we have included our own helpful information in addition to online resources.

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Things to keep in mind

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• All STI's are treatable, and many of them are curable if you catch them on time.

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• Get fully screened every six months (or after every new partner if you can). You can be tested at your clinic of choice. If you're worried about costs, Planned Parenthood offers affordable screenings. 

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• The only way to know if you have an STI or not is to get tested by a medical professional, as many STIs have no symptoms. Get tested, even if you feel fine!

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• Some screenings require a swab; make sure to swab all orifices you use for sex, which may include the mouth and/or anus. 

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• If you have positive test results, you must complete your treatment as prescribed; completing these treatments is especially important to prevent treatment-resistant STI strains. ​

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• Engage in safer sexual practices to reduce the risk of transmitting STIs:

  • Always discuss STI status with your partner well before any genital contact. *Lying about a positive status to get someone to sleep with you is an act of coercion, and knowingly transmitting an STI is against the law.*

  • Encourage your partners to get tested regularly.

  • Be honest with your partners about engaging sexually with other people. 

  • If you have positive results, disclose this to all partners you've had within 60 days, so that they can get tested and treated if necessary.

  • Always use a barrier method, unless you and your partner have explicitly agreed to be fluid bonded.

  • Using lubricant regularly can minimize microtears, lowering your risk of transmitting infections.

  • Sanitize your *non-porous* toys thoroughly if you intend to share them. Do not share porous toys.

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• If you have a chronic STI: 

  • You still deserve to have pleasurable and fulfilling sex.

  • Disclose your status to your partners before sexual activity. 

  • Try to keep up with doctor's visits and other efforts to maintain flare-ups. 

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• Keep up with your vaccinations, as some of them are for STIs (like Hep B and HPV).

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How to get tested

 

How to Talk about STI Testing & Screening (Video)

 

Get Tested (Comic) 

 

How to Tell Someone You Have an STI (Video)

 

STI Testing, Treatment & Vaccine Services (Planned Parenthood)

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Other Resources 

 

STI's and Their Symptoms (Webpage, available in Spanish)

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HIV/AIDs Information (Website)

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