Sexual Health
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
When you engage in any sexual behavior with someone else, there is always a risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted disease.
Condoms and other STD prevention measures may help reduce the risks of contracting and STD but none are 100% effective.
Some STD have obvious symptoms, but many do not. If you are sexually active, it is important for you to be tested regularly — for both you and your partner.
Could I Have an STD?
If a person has engaged in sex or sex-like activity, they are at risk for a sexually transmitted disease. Many STDs are curable if they are caught early and have no long-term effects. But if left untreated many STDs 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 STD 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 STD is by not having sex or engaging in sex-like activities with a partner(s).
How Do I Prevent an STD?
If you are engaging in sex or sex-like activity, you are at risk for a sexually transmitted disease. 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 STD. This means not engaging in vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
What If I Tested Positive for an STD?
Some STDs 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 STD. Call us today to talk with a peer counselor confidentially, without shame or judgment.
Who Should Be Tested for a Sexually Transmitted Disease?
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 STD?
People can and do lie about their STD 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 STD. Should I Be Tested?
If you have engaged in sex or sex-like activity with someone who is infected with an STD you should seek testing immediately and stop all sexual contact.
In the United States there are 110 million men and women infected with STDs. We are here to offer help and hope. We can refer you to STD testing in your area and give you guidance and support no matter your test result. Getting tested for STDs is easy and harmless; call us today for confidential help, referrals 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-20046019Published 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.htmPublished October 2, 2019. Retrieved June 8, 2020.