STI Treatment 101: What Happens After a Positive Test
A positive STI test can bring up so many new emotions, including stress, shame, or fear. We’re here to tell you: take a breath. Most STIs are treatable, and many are curable. The most important thing is what you do next. Treatment protects your health and helps stop the spread. Step 1. Understand What STI […]
“I Tested Negative…Now What?” STI Test Results to Plan Your Next Steps
Getting a negative STI or HIV test result can feel like a huge relief. But then the second-guessing comes into play. Am I fully in the clear? Do I need to test again? What do I say to partners? A negative result is great news, and it’s a great time to set up a plan […]
Are You Safe? February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
Boundaries, Digital Safety, and Where You Can Get Help in St. Louis February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. The goal is clear: help young people recognize healthy relationships, set boundaries, and find support fast. National groups like Love Is Respect provide tools for teens, caregivers, and educators to learn warning signs, plan for safety, […]
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 […]