Sexual Health- STI’s, HIV, and more

Facts about sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Sexually transmitted infection is an infection that an individual can get from sexual contact during oral, anal, vaginal, and sex toy sex.

  • Facts to know
    • Are common*- click here for more information from the CDC
    • People usually do not have symptoms
      • 75% of cases, there are no symptoms (at first or ever).
      • STIs can go away on their own or persist without symptoms
    • The only way to confirm an STI is to get tested.
    • Can be prevented by the proper use of contraception (i.e. condoms, dental dams), vaccines (Hepatitis B, HPV), testing, treatment, and communication with your partner.
    • Can be treated with prescribed medications

Source- USA facts

How STI’s are not transmitted

Non‐sexual contact does not transmit STIs.

  • Fluids that do not transmit STI’s
    • Tears
    • Sweat
    • Urine
    • Saliva
  • Behaviors that do not transmit STI’s:
    • Hugging
    • Shaking Hands
    • Sitting on a public toilet seat
    • Spitting or sweating on someone
    • Sharing a water bottle

Types of STI’s

Boulder Valley Health Center

A closer look…

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea

Syphilis

Herpes Simplex Virus

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Hepatitis B and C

STI prevention

Condoms- Refer to the Birth control/Contraception page for more information

  • Correct condom use requires practice!
    • Common mishaps:
      • Not used when having oral sex
      • Don’t have a condom or an extra one on hand
      • Gets damaged when pack is ripped open
      • Rolled on the wrong way (inside out)
      • Not put on when penis is first inserted
      • Penis softens after orgasm and condom falls off inside partner
      • Condom breaks due to insufficient lubrication

Source- Quantumed

Dental Dams-

  • Thin, flexible piece of latex that covers the vulva or anus during oral sex
  • Use a water‐based lubricant on the skin to keep it in place.
  • Can make one out of an external condom

Source- Healthline

Healthy and safe choices

The only way to absolutely prevent STI’s is abstinence.

Other ways to remain healthy and safe if you choose to be sexually active include:

  • Get the HPV and Hepatitis B vaccine
  • Use condoms and dental dams every time you have intercourse
    • Have condoms and dental dams on hand at all times
    • Know how to use it correctly (Practice makes perfect!)
      • Remember- Birth control like the pill, IUD’s, etc.. do NOT prevent STI’s
  • Limit your number of sexual partners
    • The more sexual partners you have, the more likely you are to get an STI
  • Get checked often
    • Annual physical exams and blood tests can usually identify most STI’s
  • Make sure your partner is not infected prior to having sex
    • Talk to your partner
      • Communicate about sex, STIs, birth control, and consent*.
      • Both of you get tested prior to having sex
  • Try to avoid engaging in risky behaviors (i.e. alcohol, drugs)
    • Remember- Consent is a person’s consistent verbal agreement before AND during an act.
      • If the person cannot or does not SAY YES at any point, they have not given consent and are not an active participant in the act.
        • STOP and walk away.

Resources

Refer to the Birth Control and Contraception page for International, national, and local testing and treatment services and resources.*

General information- CDC and Besider

Reading material-

  • Sex Is a Funny Word by Cory Silverberg and Fiona Smith
  • Let’s Talk About It by Erika Moen and Mathew Nolan
  • Sex Positive Talks to Have With Kids by Melissa Carnagey

CO Health services-

  • Be you Colorado- Provides comprehensive and medically accurate services and information about sexual health to youth and young adults across the state of Colorado. 
  • Colorado Health Network- provides health care, support services, prevention and education to people affected by HIV across CO
  • Hey 719- Sexual Health services for everyone in Colorado Springs; bilingual services available
  • Hey Denver- Queer focused sexual health services in Denver; bilingual services available
  • Test yourself Colorado- Home STI and HIV testing kits

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