National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day: Testing, PrEP, and Care Without Barriers in St. Louis
February 7 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. The focus is simple and urgent: increase access to prevention, testing, and treatment, and close long-standing gaps in outcomes for Black communities. The official NBHAAD campaign and federal partners call for action on stigma, access, and early care so people can learn their status and stay healthy. […]
Winter Illness or STI? Sorting Sore Throats, Rashes, and Flu-like Symptoms
Winter brings coughs and colds. It also can bring your sexual health into question if you’ve been sexually active. Is this a virus or an STI? Some symptoms overlap. Here is how to tell what to test, when to test, and what to do next. Sore Throat After Oral Sex A winter virus can cause […]
Sex, Substances, and Safer Decisions
January is the perfect time for a reset. Beyond the typical resolutions for your health and well-being, you can also reset how you think about consent, safety, and sex. Alcohol and drugs change how people read cues, set boundaries, and remember details. Trying out a month of sobriety or even just paying closer attention to […]
Year-End Sexual Health Reset: Simple Habits to Start Now and Keep in 2026
A reset works best when it is small, clear, and repeatable. Use these steps to build a sexual health routine you can keep all year. Pick Your Testing Cadence Choose a schedule that matches your life. Annual testing works for some. Every three to six months fits those with new or multiple partners. Put the […]
Winter Testing Guide: How to Get Free, Fast STI and HIV Tests During the Holidays
December gets busy. Plans stack up, schedules shift, and health tasks get put on the back burner. Your sexual health should not. Use this quick guide to stay covered in St. Louis, even when your calendar is full. Where To Test In St. Louis Health Stop STL, Testing & Referral Center Walk in for free, […]
Beyond Condoms: Protective Barriers You Might Not Know About
Condoms get all the attention. And for good reason! But they’re not the only barrier that protects against STIs and helps you control pregnancy risk. Internal condoms, dental dams, and gloves can make sex safer, more comfortable, and more affirming across all body types and kinds of sex. Here’s how to use them correctly, pair […]
The Six Principles of Sexual Health
The Six Principles of Sexual Health is not merely a checklist to follow. It’s a way of makingchoices that keep you safe, respected, and satisfied. These six principles give you a clearframework for making healthy decisions in real life. 1) Consent Consent should be clear, enthusiastic, and ongoing. Consent is the baseline. It’s a yes […]
What Test Do I Need? A Test Guide by Symptoms and Situations
When you’re dealing with a scary symptom or are contemplating a “was that risky?” moment, the best thing you can do for yourself is shed the shame and treat the issue. For some, the hardest part can be knowing what to test for and when. Use this quick test guide by symptoms and situations to […]
Dating App Safety 101
What to Know Before You Meet Dating apps are not going anywhere anytime soon. About 3 in 10 U.S. adults have used a dating site or app, but that number jumps to over 50% in adults within the 18-25 age range. With 1 in 10 partnered adults having met their current partner online, serious safety […]
Your Sexual Healthcare Routine
Why Sexual Health Matters and How to Make It a Habit Just like you schedule dentist appointments or annual checkups, your sexual health needs regular attention too. Whether you’re in a committed relationship, dating, exploring, or anything in between, you deserve care, and that includes sexual healthcare. Here’s how to build a sexual healthcare routine […]