How can I protect myself and avoid sexually transmitted diseases/infections (STDs)?

The ball is in your court. You have the power to say no, any time, in many ways. More about Consent HERE.  The reality is, the best way to keep yourself 100% safe is to stay 100% away from all forms of sexual activity that put you in contact with someone else’s mouth or genitals. That includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex.  There is no way to know for sure if someone has an STD because many of these infections do not have symptoms.¹ There are many factors to consider before having sex with a partner and it is perfectly okay to say “no” if you don’t want to have sex. 

If you are ready to have sex, you need to be ready to protect your body and your future. You should feel free to talk to your partner ahead of time about what you will and will not do sexually. Your partner should always respect your right to say no to anything that doesn’t feel right to you.

Tips for staying healthy if you’re sexually active:²

• Talk to your partner about their sexual history and be sure both of you are tested for STDs before you have sex.
• Talk with your partner about how you would like to prevent STDs and pregnancy (if you don’t want to get pregnant).
• Use a condom every time you have oral, anal, or vaginal sex. Make sure to use the condom from start to finish. Know where to get condoms and how to use them correctly.
• Know the facts! Get regular STD checkups and know the signs of STDs, especially if you or your partner are not sexually exclusive. Your medical provider can diagnose and treat STDs, and screen women for cervical cancer, which is caused by a virus spread through sexual contact. Did you know some STDs can be prevented with vaccines? HPV and Hepatitis can be prevented! All good reasons to visit your doctor or nurse regularly.
• Reducing your number of sex partners can decrease your risk for STDs.
• Having a discussion with your partner about how you want to have sex is important. You should talk about if you only want to have sexual contact with each other (a monogamous relationship) or with other people too. Having sex with multiple partners does increase your risk for contracting an STD.
• Get the healthcare you need. Some STDs can be preventing with vaccines such as HPV and hepatitis B. Also, there may be special screening for women, like regular testing for cervical cancer, which comes from a virus spread through sexual contact. Talk to your doctor or nurse about this. 
• You’re not yourself when you drink or do drugs, and you may not make the same choices as when you’re sober. Don’t let the drunk or high version of yourself make decisions. The real you knows to use condoms and who to have sex with. Trust the real you.
• Talk to a parent or trusted adult about sex and STDs.

If you think you might have an STD, you should see a healthcare provider. It can feel awkward and uncomfortable to be vulnerable and put yourself out there. Don’t let embarrassment stop you from getting the care you need to stay healthy. Most local health departments have free STD clinics, and they will protect your privacy, treat your infection, and help you avoid future infections.

Where else can I get tested?

Many facilities offer confidential, private, and free STD testing. This means that no one has to know (unless you want them to) that you are getting tested. You can visit https://gettested.cdc.gov to find an STD testing location near you. All IHS clinics also provide testing too! In many states, you can also Text “Native Test” to 55251 to order a FREE confidential STI self-test kit right to your door.

Sources:

1. Adolescents and STDs | Sexually Transmitted Diseases | CDC. Published January 25, 2021. Accessed August 25, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/std/life-stages-populations/stdfact-teens.htm
2. Respecting the Circle of Life. Baltimore, Maryland: Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health; 2018.