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 […]
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 From fear-based rumors to outdated science, these myths create unnecessary stigma and stop people from getting tested, treated, or protected.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, […]
Emergency Contraceptives and Plan B: What You Need to Know
Understanding Emergency Contraception Unexpected situations happen, and having access to emergency contraception can provide major peace of mind. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) like Plan B help prevent pregnancy when taken within a certain timeframe after unprotected sex. How Plan B Works Plan B contains levonorgestrel, a hormone that helps prevent ovulation. Without ovulation, there’s no […]
Speak Up, Stay Safe: Advocating for Your Reproductive & Sexual Health Starts with You
You Deserve to Be Heard—And Helped New guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) are finally telling doctors what many women have known for decades: gynecological procedures can hurt, and that pain should be taken seriously. For the first time, ACOG is recommending specific pain relief options—like anesthetic creams, sprays, and injections—for […]
Sexual Health Best Practices: The Importance of Regular STD Testing
Why Testing Every 3-6 Months Matters If you’re sexually active, getting tested every 3 to 6 months is a vital part of maintaining your sexual health. Regular testing helps prevent the spread of STIs, ensures early treatment, and gives you peace of mind. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), STI testing […]
How to Prepare for an STD Test and What to Expect
Feeling a bit nervous about your testing appointment? That’s normal. Let’s demystify the process by outlining how to prepare and what will happen during your visit. Before Your STD Test – Preparation The good news is that in most cases, STD tests don’t require much special preparation. You don’t need to fast or do anything […]
Quick Guide to STD Testing in St. Louis
If you’re sexually active, getting tested is one of the smartest things you can do for your health. St. Louis offers free or low-cost STD tests at clinics like Health Stop STL and others. Here’s a simple breakdown of the most common STD tests in St. Louis, what they check for, and who should get […]