STD Testing
Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for getting an STD or STI (sexually transmitted disease or infection). One out of every four Americans contract an STD in their lifetime.
Early diagnosis and treatment of STDs is very important; so is talking with your partner.
Get Tested!
PPCW offers testing for the following STDs:
Reduce your risk of getting an STD
If you are sexually active, you can reduce your risk of getting an STD.
Things to do:
• Have sex with only one partner
• Use condoms every time you have oral, genital, or anal sex
• Use latex shields or plastic wrap to help prevent STDs when having oral sex
• Use a water-based lubricant with condoms to help keep condoms from breaking and to reduce irritation
• Wash genitals and hands before and after sexual contact
• Look at your own and your partner’s genitals to check for rash, sores, bumps, or discharge before sexual contact
• Get a series of shots to prevent Hepatitis B
• Get tested—many STDs have no symptoms!
• Both partners use a birth control method to prevent unintended pregnancy
• If you have an STD, get and take all of your treatment; many STDs can be cured
Things to avoid:
• Use of alcohol or drugs in risky sexual situations
• IV drug use and sharing needles or sexual contact with IV drug users
• Sexual, blood, or body fluid contact with a person who has HIV, Hepatitis B, or Hepatitis C
• Having sex with persons who have genital discharge, warts, or sores
• Having sex with many partners, someone you don’t know, persons who exchange sex for money or drugs, or persons who have sex with many partners
• Oral or anal sex without a barrier or other method (dams - plastic or latex shields) to prevent infections
• Oral sex whenever there are sores in the mouth or bleeding gums
• Douching (squirting fluids into the vagina for cleaning or rinsing)
Things to discuss:
• Discuss sexual past and risk behaviors with your partner before having sex
• Discuss using a condom and other birth control with your partner before having sex
Questions?
Access our Online Health Center Ask a Nurse service, or call 1.888.875.7820 to reach the health center nearest you.
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