Sexual Health

Sexually Transmitted Infections and Your Body

Any time a person engages in sex or sex-like activity with a partner, there is a chance of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Condoms and other barrier methods may help reduce the risk of contracting an STI, but these methods are only risk reduction, not risk elimination. Many STIs show no signs or symptoms; this is why it is important to be tested regularly.

Could I Have an STI?

If a person has engaged in sex or sex-like activity, they are at risk for a sexually transmitted infection. Many STIs are curable if they are caught early and have no long-term effects. But if left untreated many STIs can cause damage, which is sometimes permanent. This is why testing and early detection is important. Even if you had sex but have no signs or symptoms, you could still have an STI and you can still transmit it to your partner(s). If your partner says they have been tested, there is no way to verify what they say. The only way to ensure you don’t contract an STI is by not having sex or engaging in sex-like activities with a partner(s).

How Do I Prevent an STI?

If you are engaging in sex or sex-like activity, you are at risk for a sexually transmitted infection. Condoms and other barrier methods are risk reduction, not risk elimination. If you are engaging in sex, abstinence is the only way to ensure against contracting an STI. This means not engaging in vaginal, oral, or anal sex.

What If I Tested Positive for an STI?

Some STIs are curable with antibiotics or other treatment methods. Talk to your doctor and begin a treatment plan. Do not engage in sex or sex-like activity because it is transmittable. There is help, hope, and healing after an STI. Call us today to talk with a client advocate confidentially, without shame or judgment.

Who Should Be Tested for a Sexually Transmitted Infection?

Anyone, no matter your age, who is engaged or has been engaged in sex or sex-like activity with a partner(s) should be tested.

Is It Possible My Partner Lied to Me About Having an STI?

People can and do lie about their STI status or sexual history. Getting to know your partner before engaging in sexual activity will not prevent them from lying to you about their sexual health. You are at risk any time you engage in sex or sex-like activity with a partner(s).

My Partner Told Me They Have an STI. Should I Be Tested?

If you have engaged in sex or sex-like activity with someone who is infected with an STI you should seek testing immediately and stop all sexual contact.

In the United States there are 110 million men and women infected with STIs. We are here to offer help and hope. We can refer you to STI testing in your area and give you guidance and support no matter your test result. Getting tested for STIs is easy and harmless; call us today for confidential help and support.

STD Testing – What’s Right for You? Mayo Clinic Website: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/in-depth/std-testing/art-20046019. Published August 1, 2017. Retrieved June 8, 2020. 

Sexually Transmitted Diseases Data and Statistics. Center for Disease Control and Prevention Website: https://www.cdc.gov/std/stats/default.htm. Published October 2, 2019. Retrieved June 8, 2020.