Should you Talk About STIs? Should you Get Tested for Them?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that can pass from one person to another through sexual contact, instead of through coughing, or a cut.

Sometimes people feel embarrassed to talk about STIs with people who they might have sex with. But if you talk about them, it’s less likely you’ll catch one.

Sometimes people feel embarrassed or nervous to go get tested for them. In this episode we also talk about what it’s like to get tested for STIs at an Options for Sexual Health Clinic.

Want more?

• SexSense is a free hotline where you can get your questions answered by phone or email. READ MORE
  
• Smart Sex Resource is a website with lots of information on safer sex and STIs, including how to get tested and treated.

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Why We Talk About…

Safer Sex

Riding in a car is never 100% safe. Neither is eating a sandwich. That doesn’t mean we should never do these things. It does mean we should consider taking common-sense precautions, like wearing a seatbelt, not riding with a driver who’s been drinking, not eating baloney that’s past its expiry date, and not swallowing our food too quickly while running with scissors. 

Sex with another person is never 100% safe either. That doesn’t mean we should never do it. It does mean we should consider taking some precautions. But what exactly are we trying to prevent? What are we taking precautions against? Are some precautions more effective than others? How do we talk about safer sex or contraception (birth control) with our partners? How do we talk about our safer sex or contraception needs with the people who support us? Where can we get information about this stuff? Where can we get supplies? 

Oh yeah – one last thing – masturbation is a SUPER SAFE way to feel sexual pleasure! There’s no risk of unplanned pregnancy or STIs. Join the conversation!