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 […]
Let’s Talk About Sex
How to Open Up About Sex With Partners and Loved Ones Talking about sex with someone you’re close to, whether it’s a sexual partner, friend, or family member, can feel intimidating. But being open about your sexual health, setting boundaries, and sharing struggles can actually make your relationships stronger, and sex safer and more satisfying. […]
Think You’ve Been Exposed to HIV? You Have 72 Hours to Act
When it comes to HIV prevention, timing is everything. If you think you’ve been exposed to HIV—through sex, sexual assault, or sharing needles—you may still be able to prevent infection. But you have to move fast. That’s where PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) comes in. PEP is a powerful HIV prevention medication you take after a possible […]
HIV Prevention Is For All Bodies: PrEP For Women, Trans, and Nonbinary Folks
PrEP Is for Anyone Who Wants to Stay HIV-Negative You might have heard of PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) as something “for gay men.” But this is a harmful stereotype. The truth is: PrEP is for anyone at risk of HIV—regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or relationship status. That includes cisgender women, trans women, trans men, […]
STIs and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Being Pregnant Doesn’t Protect You From STIs Pregnancy comes with many changes, but one thing it doesn’t change? Your risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you’re pregnant, you can still get an STI—and it can affect both you and your baby. That’s why getting tested is one of the most important things you can […]
10 Common HIV Myths—And the Real Facts You Need to Know
Why Knowing the Facts of HIV Protects Your Health Even after decades of progress in HIV prevention and treatment, misinformation still spreads faster than the virus. From fear-based rumors to outdated science, these myths create unnecessary stigma and stop people from getting tested, treated, or protected. At Health Stop STL, we believe knowledge is power, […]
Beyond Plan B: STI Prevention After Condomless Sex
Emergency Contraception Isn’t the Only “Plan B” When people think about what to do after unprotected sex, preventing pregnancy is usually the first thing that comes to mind. But there’s another crucial part of the conversation: protecting yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you’ve recently had condomless sex, there’s more you can do to […]
A Condom Every Time?!
Yes, Yes, and Yes – Why Condoms Matter Condoms are one of the most effective tools for preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies. When a condom is used correctly every time, condoms are 98% effective in protecting against STIs, including HIV, and reducing pregnancy risk. How to Use a Condom Properly Check the […]