The most common STI symptom is no symptom. Find a clinic near you and get tested for free: www.factnotfiction.com/clinic-finder

The post Spot the STI appeared first on Fact Not Fiction.

This summer, I made a faithful trip to the health department for birth control. I didn’t expect for it to be
anything more than just a trip to talk to some nurses and doctors.

Shortly after that trip, I learned I had a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is a truly embarrassing
experience. I had to re-evaluate my actions, my relationship, and the protection I used. It weighed heavily on me that I actually had a STI. I felt like I made the biggest mistake of my life, but the nurse that told me about my STI gave me the best advice. She told me, “Stop crying. It’s curable. Yes it is a bad thing, but you already have it. Now you know what not to do.” Those words floated around in my head for a few moments – I realized she was right. A STI doesn’t make you. It’s what you do after the STI that makes you. Anybody could’ve made the same mistake I made. You just have take a deep breath, understand and accept your mistake, and make the necessary changes to make sure it doesn’t happen again. You can’t beat yourself up over-and-over about it.

Condoms are awesome. Get tested with your partner so you both know you’re okay. Talk about having a monogamous relationship with your partner. If it’s just a one-night thing, remember that condoms are awesome!!

You are NOT a number or statistic because of your STI. Love yourself regardless. Remember, we all make mistakes. This is not a road block in your life. You can get past this.

The post My STI wasn’t the end of the world. appeared first on Fact Not Fiction.

“Are there any STIs you can’t get tested for?”

When you get tested for STIs it doesn’t mean you’re getting tested for all STIs. Usually when you get tested, your provider will test you for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and maybe HIV.

You might wanna get HPV testing if you have a cervix, or you may just get Pap tests, which look for problems caused by HPV.  If you’ve got a penis, you can’t get tested for HPV, but you can get vaccinated.

If you think you’ve been exposed to another STD or have symptoms, talk with your doctor or nurse — they’ll let you know what tests you might need.

The post Are there any STIs you can’t get tested for? appeared first on Fact Not Fiction.

What is it?

Trichomoniasis (also called trich) is a common, curable
sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasitic protozoa
called Trichomonas vaginalis. More than one million new cases occur each year in the U.S. Trich may cause symptoms in women, but most men do not have
symptoms. If you have trich, you are more
likely to contract HIV if you are exposed–so getting tested and treated
is important.

How do you get it and how do you protect yourself?

Trich is
spread through sexual contact with an infected partner: this includes
penis-to-vagina intercourse or genital-to-genital contact.

Using latex condoms correctly every time during sexual intercourse will
help reduce the risk of getting or spreading trichomoniasis.

What are the symptoms?

Only about 30 percent of people that have trich develop any
symptoms. Symptoms of trich are more common in women. These include:

• Vaginal discharge
• A bad vaginal smell
• Itching in or around the vagina
• Pain during sex
• Pain when urinating

Most men don’t have symptoms of trich but when they do, symptoms can
include itching or irritation inside the penis, a discharge or pain when
urinating.

Some people with symptoms of trich get them within 5 to 28 days after
being infected, but others do not develop symptoms until later.
Symptoms can come and go, and without treatment, the infection can last
for months or even years.

How do you treat trich?

Trich is curable with antibiotics, but remember to use all the medicine prescribed, even if your symptoms go away. Sex partners must also be treated, or you will get trich again.

The post The Lowdown on Trichomoniasis appeared first on Fact Not Fiction.

Need free condoms or confidential STI testing?

Find a clinic near you:www.factnotfiction.com/clinic-finder

The post Free condoms or testing appeared first on Fact Not Fiction.

Condoman vs. Gonorrhea … It’s onnnnnn!

The post It’s onnnnnn! appeared first on Fact Not Fiction.

No, they don’t…!

The most common STI symptom is NO symptom which is why it’s
important to get tested if you’ve had unprotected vaginal, anal, or
oral sex. And just because you don’t notice any symptoms doesn’t mean
it’s not causing harm to your body, so getting treatment is still
important.

The post Do all STIs have symptoms? appeared first on Fact Not Fiction.

If you have risk factors like having unprotected sex or having sex with someone who has HIV, then you should get tested more often.

Find a clinic near you for free and confidential testing! www.factnotfiction.com/clinic-finder

The post How often should you get tested for HIV? appeared first on Fact Not Fiction.

Yep it’s true 😟 Bacterial Vaginosis can cause discharge, itching, burning or a strange odor. It’s not an STI, but can increase your chances of getting one.

Get the deets: https://factnotfiction.com/post/79889392774/separating-fact-from-fiction-bacterial-vaginosis

The post Bacterial Vaginosis appeared first on Fact Not Fiction.

Remove yourself from the equation. #StaySmart #UseProtection

The post Remove yourself from the equation appeared first on Fact Not Fiction.