/// HEALTH PROMOTION | sti-protection

Health Promotion

Ways to make sure your body is as safe and healthy as possible.

There is still a risk with safer sex (condoms/barriers). Below you will find some ways to check for STI's. You can also prevent some infections with vaccines.

Urine Testing

STI's often do not have symptoms. There is only one way to be sure. Get tested. You can check for chlamydia and gonorrhea with a pee test.

Blood Testing

Check for HIV, herpes, HPV, syphilis, and hepatitis with blood tests. The tests are fast and only a small amount of blood is needed.

Pap Smear (women)

A pap smear checks if HPV has changed your cervix. If caught early, you can prevent cervical cancer.

**You should begin pap smears once you turn 21 years old. If normal, you only have to do once every 3 years.**

**Do a urine test every time you have a new sexual partner. Test once a year if you stay sexually active, even with the same partner.**

**All adults should be checked for HIV at least once. Check more often if unsafe sex, or if men have sex with men. Pregnant women should check for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, & chlamydia. They can check for gonorrhea if higher risk.**

Higher Risk

Some situations mean higher risk for STI's. People with higher risk should get tested more often.

**Men who have sex with men should check for syphilis, gonorrhea, & chlamydia yearly. They should check HIV every 6 months. If having sex with multiple partners, check every 3 - 6 months. People who use IV drugs should check HIV yearly. Anyone who has unsafe sex should check HIV at least once a year.**

Swab Testing

You can check for herpes, HIV, and HPV with swab tests. The HPV test uses a brush for women in the vagina.

**Have your medical provider check if you have genital bumps. A swab may be possible. A blood test is also possible**

Vaccines

Some infections can be prevented with vaccination. There are common vaccinations for HPV, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B.

**You should get Hepatitis A and B vaccinations as a child. Get the HPV vaccines in your early teens.**