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Condoms are an effective barrier method that protect against STD/STIs. They are available over the counter at drug stores and some grocery stores. Some health departments have free condoms.
Top Ten Reasons to Use a Condom (EVERY time)
10. Condoms give you control over your body and can help protect your health. 9. You don’t need a prescription to buy condoms. 8. Condoms don’t cost a lot of money and are free at some clinics and health departments. 7. Condoms are easy to find in supermarkets, drug stores, and convenience stores. 6. You don’t need your parents’ permission to buy condoms. 5. Using condoms can help a male partner last longer before ejaculating (coming). 4. Men and women can buy and use condoms whenever they need them. 3. Using condoms helps prevent unplanned pregnancy. 2. Using condoms helps prevent the spread of most STIs from one partner to another.
…and the NUMBER ONE reason for using a condom is:
1. Using condoms shows you care about your sexual health and your partner.
Adapted from IWannaKnow.org.
How to put on an external Condom from @Yes.Tess
Link to video:
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Do use only latex or polyurethane condoms.
Do keep condoms in a cool, dry place.
Do put the condom on an erect (hard) penis before there is any contact with a partner's genitals.
Do use plenty of water-based lubricant with latex condoms. This reduces friction (dry rubbing) and helps prevent the condom from tearing.
Do squeeze the air out of the tip of the condom when rolling it over the erect penis. This allows room for the ejaculate (cum).
Do hold the condom in place at the base of the penis before withdrawing (pulling out) after sex.
Do throw the condom away after it's been used.
Adapted from IWannaKnow.org.
Don't touch the wrong side of the condom to the penis, and then flip it to the right side. This can transfer semen and/or STIs.
Don't use out-of-date condoms. Check the expiration date carefully. Old condoms can be dry, brittle or weakened and can break more easily.
Don't unroll the condom before putting it on the erect (hard) penis.
Don't leave condoms in hot places-like your wallet or your car.
Don't use oil-based lubricants, like baby or cooking oils, hand lotion or petroleum jelly (like Vaseline®) as lubricants with latex condoms. The oil weakens latex and can cause condoms to break.
Don't use your fingernails or teeth when opening a condom wrapper. It's very easy to tear the condom inside. If you do tear a condom while opening the wrapper, throw that condom away and get a new one.
Don't reuse a condom. Always use a new condom for each kind of sex you have.
Adapted from IWannaKnow.org.
Chlamydia is a very common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria. You can get chlamydia from vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Chlamydia is common in the U.S. with over 1 million cases reported each year. Among all age groups, teens and young adults have the highest rates of infection.
What does chlamydia do to me?
Many times, the signs that you have chlamydia are not obvious. This is why you must be extremely careful if you notice any of the following signs:
Women:
Discharge from the vagina
Pain when peeing
Pain when having sex
Pain in the lower abdomen
Bleeding between periods
Men:
Discharge from the penis
Pain or burning when peeing
Is there a cure for chlamydia? Yes! Luckily, chlamydia can be cured with antibiotics. If you have had chlamydia for a long time, chlamydia can lead to a more serious problem called Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which can cause you not to be able to have babies in the future.
Adapted from IWannaKnow.org.
How’s Your Sexual Health Quiz:
Check out this quiz which helps you understand sexual health and the resources available. Are you happy with your sex life, partners, romantic relationships, and overall sexual health?
Check out this interactive tool to understand your birth control options.
It starts with believing that each and every one of us is valuable. And, that we all have the right to be treated with respect, and to express who we really are. When we feel good about ourselves, we usually make better decisions. And, there can be big benefits — feeling happier, and having better relationships and sexual health. Loving everything about yourself — who you are on the inside, what you look like, and your sexual identity — can be challenging. But, you can get more comfortable in your own skin. Learn how to embrace your unique and special qualities. Stand up for yourself, and live the life you want.
Adapted from https://www.fiveactionsteps.org/.
For most people, good relationships are essential to a happy and healthy life. And, for many of us, romantic relationships are at the top of the list. Building relationships that are healthy and positive is key to our sexual health and well-being. But, when it comes to this important life skill, many of us don’t feel prepared. The good news? It’s never too late to learn.
Adapted from https://www.fiveactionsteps.org/.
It all starts with our expectations. When it comes to how sexual partners treat each other, do we have low or high standards? And, do we believe that every one of us deserves to be treated with respect and kindness? We all have the right to safe, healthy, and satisfying experiences with partners — whether they are short-term hook-ups or on-going relationships. This holds true even if you've had bad experiences with partners in the past. Yet, most of us lack a rulebook or "know how" when it comes to partners. So, how should sexual partners treat each other? How can I talk about sex without feeling embarrassed? Are there special rules for hook-ups? What should I do if a partner mistreats me? Adapted from https://www.fiveactionsteps.org/.
Did you know that preventive health services can protect and improve your sexual health, and even save lives? They can help prevent cancers, plan pregnancies, detect and treat common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) before they cause serious problems, and safeguard your ability to have children. Yet, over half of us are not getting these highly recommended services, which include vaccines, screenings, contraceptives, and counseling. How about you? It’s easy to learn about these services, and make sure that you get what you need. This is one of the most important steps you can take for your sexual health. Adapted from https://www.fiveactionsteps.org/.
Sex—which can be expressed in many ways—is a natural and positive part of life; it can bring you pleasure, intimacy, and joy. But, it can also bring unwanted things—like sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unplanned pregnancies, and worry. Yet, there's no need to panic. Simple steps can protect you and your partner. And, help you both enjoy a healthier and more satisfying sex life.
We are all sexual beings, and we can experience our sexuality in many different ways. But, remember, it's always up to you to decide if, when, and how you choose to do so.
Adapted from https://www.fiveactionsteps.org/.
Anyone who is sexually active can get an STI. If you’ve had unprotected sex, have a new partner (or more than one partner), or for any reason are worried you have been exposed to an STI, talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested. While some providers might include STI tests as part of a regular check-up, others don’t test for any STIs unless you ask them to—so make sure to ask!
How do STI tests work?
Getting tested can be quick and easy. Depending on what you’re being tested for, your provider may take a blood sample, a swab, or ask you to pee in a cup. Easy! Here’s an idea of what to expect for some more common STIs.
Adapted from https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/get-tested/
What age should you see a Gynecologist?
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What to expect at your first gynecology appointment?
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What is vaginitis?
Vaginitis is a name for swelling, itching, burning or infection in the vagina that can be caused by several different germs. The most common kinds of vaginitis are bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast, a fungus. Sometimes trichomoniasis (or trich, pronounced “trick”) is called vaginitis too.
Vaginitis is very common. If you are like most women, you will have some kind of vaginitis at least once in your life.
What are the symptoms of vaginitis?
The signs or symptoms of vaginitis are different, depending on the germ that you have.
Check out this resource for more information.
Adapted from http://www.iwannaknow.org/teens/sti/vaginitis.html
What is HPV?
HPV, or human papillomavirus, is the name of a group of viruses that has more than 100 different types. HPV is sometimes called the wart virus because some types of HPV cause warts on the hands, feet or genitals. Some other types (that don’t cause warts) can turn into cancer usually over many, many years. Most cases of HPV are not dangerous, though, ASHA recommends getting the HPV vaccine, along with Pap and HPV tests, when appropriate.
HPV is the most common STI in the United States, but most people don’t know they have it or that they can spread the virus to a partner. Approximately 79 million Americans are infected with HPV.
Adapted from and more information at http://www.iwannaknow.org/teens/sti/hpv.html
What is syphilis?
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria. Even though it is curable, if syphilis isn’t treated, it can cause serious damage to your brain, heart, nervous system, and even lead to death.
How do I get syphilis?
Syphilis transmission can occur when infected lesions come in contact with the soft skin of the mucous membrane found inside the vagina, urethra or with an abrasion during vaginal, oral, and anal sex, even if there is no sexual penetration. It is most easily spread during the first (primary) stage because symptoms usually go unnoticed. Syphilis can also be contracted from exposure to lesions or syphilitic “warts” during the secondary stage.
Adapted from http://www.iwannaknow.org/teens/sti/syphilis.html
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is a serious virus that can attack the liver. There are five types of hepatitis. The most common types are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
What does hepatitis do to my body?
Hepatitis can cause a number of problems, including yellow eyes and skin, stomach pain or swelling, muscle weakness, joint pain, rashes, nausea or vomiting, dark urine (pee), loss of appetite, fever, and tiredness.
Sometimes there are no signs at first. It is very important to get tested to see if you have hepatitis.
How do I find out if I have hepatitis?
Ask your doctor for a hepatitis test. If you don’t have a regular doctor or another healthcare provider, you can search for a clinic in your area that offers testing.
Is there a cure for hepatitis?
No. There is no cure, but there are medicines to treat hepatitis. There are also vaccines for hepatitis A and hepatitis B that will prevent the disease. Ask your healthcare provider about them.
Tattoos and Body Piercing
Hepatitis B and C transmission can occur if a tattoo artist or body piercer uses an unsterilized (unclean) needle used on someone else that has hepatitis B or C to pierce or tattoo a person or uses other equipment that is unclean.
Adapted from http://www.iwannaknow.org/teens/sti/hepatitis.html
What is herpes?
Herpes is a very common skin disease. It’s caused by a virus and can affect your mouth (oral) and/or the area around the penis or vagina (genital), upper thighs or buttocks. Most of the time, it is hard to notice herpes, so most people don’t know they have it. Cold sores and fever blisters are an example of herpes in your mouth.
How do I get herpes?
Herpes is transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact.
Adapted from http://www.iwannaknow.org/teens/sti/herpes.html
What is HIV?
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Imagine your body as an army. HIV attacks the part of your body that fights disease (the immune system), and makes the immune system not work right. Sometimes there are no signs of HIV at first. You can’t tell if you have HIV until you get a blood test. Also, many people with HIV look healthy and can still transmit HIV.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 12,000 youth were infected with HIV in 2010.
Is there a cure for HIV?
No. There is no cure for HIV. But, some medicines can make you feel better and stay healthy.
What is AIDS?
AIDS is the last stage of HIV. It stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, which means the immune system is damaged and allows the person with AIDS to experience more severe illnesses. Today HIV is not curable, but it is treatable. Contracting HIV does not automatically mean you have AIDS.
Young People and HIV
Young people between the ages of 13 and 24 represent 26% of new HIV infections each year. A little more than half (54 percent) of new infections among young gay and bisexual males are in African Americans. 60 percent of these young people with HIV do not know they are infected, so they don’t get important early treatment and also can unknowingly pass HIV on to others.
You can protect yourself from HIV–learn the risks, know how to prevent infection, and get tested.
How do I get HIV?
HIV is passed to sex partners through blood, semen (cum), seminal fluid (pre-cum), and vaginal fluids.
Vaginal, anal, or oral sex without a condom is the main way people get HIV. HIV can infect anyone if they have unprotected sex or share drug needles with infected partners. Using condoms prevents your partner’s blood, seminal fluid, semen, and vaginal fluids from getting in your body. Those bodily fluids have HIV. Even in oral sex, there should be some plastic or latex cover or barrier between you and your partner. This barrier keeps you from your partner’s bodily fluids.
Adapted from http://www.iwannaknow.org/teens/sti/hiv_aids.html
Potential TikTok accounts for SRH information: