STDs are both common and sneaky. One in two sexually active young people will get an STD or STI by age 25, and most of them won’t even know it. That’s because many STDs do not show any symptoms. That means you or your partner should always be wearing a condom, whether that is internal or external, during vaginal, oral and anal sex.

How can I protect against STDs?

Abstinence is the best way to protect against STDs. For those that choose to have sex, practice safe sex. That means that one person should we wearing a condom throughout the whole experience, whether it is internal or external. Condoms are the only form on contraceptive that will protect against both STIs and pregnancy, so it is important to use one even if you or your partner use a different form of birth control.

Should I get tested for STDs?

STDs are sneaky — often they don’t cause any symptoms, so many infected people don’t know they’re infected.  You should get tested if you have any of these STD risk factors:

• Someone you had sex with has an STD
• You didn’t use a condom the last time you had oral, vaginal or anal sex
• You had sex (oral, vaginal or anal) with two or more people in the last three months
• You had sex (oral, vaginal, or anal) with a new partner in the last three months
• You’re a guy who has had oral or anal sex with another guy
• You had an STD in the past year.

STD Symptoms

While its a good idea to get tested if you’re at high risk for catching an STD even if you don’t have symptoms, be on the lookout for anything unusual. Talk to a doctor or nurse practitioner about getting tested if you or someone you’re having sex with have any of these STD symptoms:

• It hurts or burns when you pee
• If there’s liquid leaking from your penis, vagina, or rectum (butt)
• If you see or feel blisters, open sores, warts, a rash, or swelling in your genital or private area, anal area, or mouth
• If you have on-going flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, aching muscles, or swollen glands
• Are a girl who has pain in the abdomen (stomach)
• Are a guy who has pain in the penis
• If your butt or legs hurt

Find a free testing center near you.

Here are some good facts to keep in mind regarding STDs:

• STDs are common. 1 in 4 girls and an equally alarming number of guys have an STD right now.
• STDs are treatable. All of them. Some are even curable.
• STDs are sneaky. Most of the time an STD doesn’t produce any symptoms.
• You cannot tell by looking at someone whether he or she is infected with HIV or another STD.
• Using drugs and alcohol increases your chances of getting STDs because these substances can interfere with your judgment and your ability to use a condom properly
• If you have had unprotected sex, you may have a STD and not know it.
• If your partner has had unprotected sex, your partner may have a STD and not know it.
• If left untreated, STDs can lead to long-term consequences, like infertility, long-term pain or cancer.

If you think you have a STD, there is something you can do about it! The only way to know for sure is to be tested. Many of our locations offer walk-in screening – no appointment necessary!