Sexual Health 101:

Your body. Your pleasure. Your choice

Sexual health isn’t just about preventing infections — it’s about feeling good, staying informed, and caring for yourself and the people you connect with.

STIs: What You Should Know

STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) are common — and treatable. They don’t define your worth, your choices, or your identity. Regular testing helps you take control of your health and protect your partners.

Common STIs include:

  • HIV – manageable with medication, and preventable with PrEP and condoms
  • Chlamydia & Gonorrhea – often no symptoms, easy to treat with antibiotics
  • Syphilis – stages can be silent; treatable if caught early
  • HPV – common virus; vaccines available
  • Hepatitis A, B, C – affects the liver; vaccines exist for A and B

Tip: You can get tested even if you have no symptoms. Many STIs are asymptomatic but still transmissible.

Testing is a regular part of self-care — just like going to the gym or seeing a doctor. How often you get tested depends on how active you are sexually, but a good rule: every 3–6 months if you’re having sex with new or multiple partners.

Types of STI tests:

  • Blood tests (HIV, syphilis, hepatitis)
  • Urine tests or swabs (chlamydia, gonorrhea)
  • Throat, rectal, or urethral swabs — especially important for men who have sex with men

Ask for extra-genital testing (throat & rectum) — many clinics don’t automatically offer them unless you ask.

  • PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis): A daily or event-based pill that can prevent HIV with up to 99% effectiveness.
  • PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis): A 28-day emergency pill regimen you start within 72 hours after possible HIV exposure.
  • PrEP doesn’t prevent other STIs, so using condoms + regular testing = extra protection.

Safer sex is about reducing risk while still enjoying pleasure. There’s no one-size-fits-all — you decide what feels right for you.

Options include:

  • Using condoms (external and internal) for oral, anal, and frontal sex
  • Choosing lower-risk activities like mutual masturbation or oral sex
  • Talking about STI status and boundaries with your partners
  • Being on PrEP or knowing your partner’s HIV status and treatment (U=U)

U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable): People with HIV who are on treatment and have an un- detectable viral load cannot pass on HIV through sex.

Sexual health includes:

  • Feeling safe and respected in your encounters
  • Navigating shame, stigma, or internalized homophobia
  • Building confidence to communicate your needs and limits
  • Healing from trauma or unhealthy relationships

💬 You deserve connection that feels good — emotionally, physically, and mentally.

After sex, it’s okay to:

  • Wash up (pee after sex can help prevent UTIs)
  • Check in with yourself and your partner(s)
  • Reach out for testing or support if you’re feeling anxious
  • Practice compassion — for your body and your choices

 Aftercare is as much emotional as it is physical. Your health doesn’t stop when the clothes go back on.