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Safe Sex: Preventing STDs/STIs and HIV

Having Safe Sex 

Practicing safe sex lowers your risk of contracting STDs/STIs and HIV or unplanned pregnancies. Safe sex should be practiced during all sexual encounters. Limiting your number of sexual partners and using condoms can help prevent STDs/STIs and pregnancy. 

Learn more here about the different methods of birth control and what we offer at Lee Health. 

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Getting Routine STD/STI Testing

Taking your sexual health seriously is important to live a long and happy life. At Lee Health we understand your concerns and questions regarding sexually transmitted diseases.

Individuals who are engaging in sexual intercourse should be getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) routinely. STDs can show no symptoms and being tested is the only way to confirm an infection. 

People can commonly be infected and unknowingly, and unwillingly, infect their partner. It is important to get tested because some STDs can cause serious health problems if not treated timely and effectively. 

STD symptoms can come and go over time, but that doesn’t mean the STD is gone. Common signs of STDs are itching, burning, bumps and sores, and unusual discharge around the genitals. 

Learn more information about STD/STI testing, diagnosis, and treatment!

Telling previous/new partners about an STD/STI

An important step along with treatment is informing any recent partners of your diagnosis. STDs can put your partners health at risk if left untreated. Leaving STDS untreated increases chances of your partner reinfecting you and infecting others.

Here are some tips that can make this hard conversation easier:

  • Be direct and honest
  • Encourage them to ask questions
  • Imagine if roles were reversed
  • Give them time to take in the information
  • Remember you are doing the right thing

If you think you or your partner have contracted an STD/STI, or are at high risk of contracting an STD/STI, speak to your doctor or sexual health expert about next steps!