HookUp tip by Lauren,
April is STD Awareness Month! Don't be an April fool...make sure you are free of STDs by getting tested regularly. You should also know these 5 facts, shared from the Centers for Disease control and Prevention (CDC):
1. You can't tell someone has an STD just by looking at them
STDs aren't just for "players." Anyone can get an STD and anyone can pass an STD on to their partner- they only way to really know that you have an STD is to get tested. Find a clinic near you for low-to-no-cost testing.
2. STD tests aren't always a part of a regular doctor visit.
Unless you go to an STD or family planning clinic, your doctor may not assume that you need an STD test. It's important to be up front and tell your doctor that you are sexually active and that you would like to be tested for all STDs. This means you will probably need to pee in a cup and possibly get blood drawn. Ladies- if you just get a pap smear, you are not getting tested for the most common STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea.
3. Almost all STDs that can be spread via unprotected vaginal sex can also be spread through unprotected oral and anal sex.
If you are having unprotected anal sex to avoid the risk of pregnancy, you should really reconsider given the high risk of transmitting/contracting STDs from anal sex. In fact, the risk of getting an STD from anal sex is higher than the risk from vaginal sex. And yes, oral sex can ALSO spread STDs. Be sure to use condoms each and every time you have sex to lower your risk.
4. Using a condom can take a lot of the worry out of sex, since it can prevent unintended pregnancy and protect you from STDs.
Having sex is a big deal, and it's just not worth it if you are worried about the risk of STDs or unintended pregnancy. Make sure you use condoms (they're free here!) each and every time and if you are having sex with someone of the opposite sex, make sure you also are using another method of birth control.
5. STD testing is a basic part of staying healthy.
You should never be embarrassed about getting tested for STDs. Getting tested on a regular basis shows that you are proactively taking care of your (and your partners') sexual and reproductive health. So go ahead, get tested, and then give yourself a high five for being smart and safe. Remember, safe is sexy!