Get tested regularly. Find your local health center.
Ask us anything. No judgments.
Every year, 24,000 American women become infertile because of undiagnosed STDs. Most STDs are easily treatable — get tested regularly, OK?
Learn more: http://gytnow.org/
If you’re sexually active, make sure to get tested regularly for STDs.
Pop the question.
Learn more about pubic lice, and leave the crabs at the beach.
Today is World AIDS Day. When was the last time you had an HIV test? Schedule yours today: http://bit.ly/Sx4Wbl.
Heard of “blue waffle”? It’s not a real STD, or an order at IHOP — it’s 100% urban legend.
Safer Sex Sex Toys
Someone asked us:
Are there sex toys that are safer to use than others? What about lubrication? Thanks! You guys are the best! :)
You’re welcome! There are a lot of sex toys out there, and they can be made out of different materials including silicon, plastics, glass and more! When thinking about materials, you mainly just want to make sure you stay away from phthalates, which are usually found in jelly rubber toys. If you’re having sex and using a condom (which we highly recommend!), you’ll want to stay away from oil based lube because they can break down the latex. Babeland has lots more details on toy materials and lube materials. But when it comes to preventing the transmission of STDs, it’s not so much about the toy as it is how you use it.
Sexually transmitted infections are spread by the exchange of body fluids (like semen, blood, and vaginal secretions) and by skin-to-skin genital contact. So one of the safest ways to use sex toys is to not share them. If you do share, then cover the toy with a condom and use a new one for each partner. Lastly, depending on what your toy is made out of, you can clean it with soap and water, put it in the dishwasher, or boil it, depending on what it’s made out of. Some sex toys can be cleaned but not disinfected. Again, Babeland can break this cleaning thing down for you best.
-Nathan at Planned Parenthood
STD vs. STI
Someone asked us:
What is the difference between an STD and an STI?
STD and STI are two terms that often mean the same thing — but the “D” stands for “disease,” while the “I” stands for “infection.”. Medically, infections are only called diseases when they cause symptoms, and many STIs don’t have any symptoms. So that’s why you may hear people say STIs – it’s technically more accurate, and also reminds people that there are often no symptoms so it’s important to get tested.
But many people are more familiar with the terms “STD” and “sexually transmitted disease.” So it’s really common to hear people use these terms even when there are no signs of disease. And that’s why we tend to use STDs when we’re talking about them.
Learn more about STI/Ds.
- Alex at Planned Parenthood
