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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]