Someone asked us:

I’m thinking of losing my virginity soon. Should I be tested for STD’s even though I’m a virgin?

Good for you for thinking about what you should do to prepare for your first time. Way to take responsibility! People have different ideas about what counts as sex and therefore what counts as virginity. Some sexually transmitted infections are spread by skin-to-skin contact and some are spread by exchanging body fluids like semen and vaginal secretions (i.e. the liquid produced by the vagina during arousal). Someone who has never had vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse but has been naked with someone and had skin-to-skin contact could potentially be at risk for an STD. But if you’ve never had intercourse and never had genital skin-to-skin contact, there is no need to get tested.  

Wondering if you should get tested? The Check can give you some advice.

-Nathan at Planned Parenthood