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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]