• Semen

• Pre-ejaculatory fluid (pre-cum)

• Vaginal fluid

• Rectal fluid

• Blood

• Breastmilk

• Intimate skin-to-skin contact, including mouth

• Oral Sex (Mouth on penis or vagina)

• Anal Sex (Penis in anus)

• Vaginal Sex (Penis in vagina)

• Naked genital-to-genital contact

• Kissing in some circumstances 

NO SYMPTOMS is the most common symptom, but symptoms can include:

• Burning while urinating

• Itching

• Redness

• Bleeding

• Sores/bumps

• Pain or discomfort

• Abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina 

• Fever or flu symptoms 

• Abstinence 

• STI testing & treatment 

• Vaccines 

• Communicate with partner(s) about protection and possible risk

• Barrier methods 

• Washing hands

• Pee before and after sex

• Avoid shaving, waxing, or removing pubic hair 

• Can unknowingly pass it to someone else 

• Can cause internal problems or serious medical issues even when no external symptoms present 

• Having one STI puts you more at risk of contracting other STIs

• Can cause fertility issues in the future 

If you’ve had sexual contact with another person and notice any signs of an STI, talk to a doctor or nurse about getting tested. STI symptoms can come and go over time, but that doesn’t mean the STI is gone. It’s common for STI symptoms to be so mild that they don’t bother you, but you should still see a doctor or nurse if you notice anything that feels off.

For testing resources, visit Planned Parenthood!

• HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

• There is currently no effective cure. Once people get HIV, they have it for life.

• However, with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. People with HIV who get effective HIV treatment can live long, healthy lives and protect their partners. 

• Learn more about HIV/AIDS at the CDC

Source: CDC 

Today, more tools than ever are available to prevent HIV. You can use strategies such as abstinence (not having sex), never sharing needles, and using condoms the right way every time you have sex. You may also be able to take advantage of HIV prevention medicines such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). If you have HIV, there are many actions you can take to prevent transmitting HIV to others.

• Learn more about HIV Prevention at the CDC

Source: CDC 

People with certain risk factors should get tested more often. You should get tested at least once a year if:

• You’re a man who has had sex with another man.

• You’ve had anal or vaginal sex with someone who has HIV.

• You’ve had more than one sex partner since your last HIV test.

• You’ve shared needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment (for example, cookers).

• You’ve exchanged sex for drugs or money.

• You’ve been diagnosed with or treated for another sexually transmitted disease.

• You’ve been diagnosed with or treated for hepatitis or tuberculosis (TB).

• You’ve had sex with someone who has done anything listed above or with someone whose sexual history you don’t know. 

Learn more about HIV Testing at the CDC

Find testing resources below under "Local Sexual Health Services"

Source: CDC 

What is stigma?

• Social stigma is the disapproval of, or discrimination against, an individual or group based on perceived characteristics that serve to distinguish them from other members of a society

Why is there a stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS?

• HIV stigma is rooted in a fear of the virus as well as misinformation surrounding its transmission and contraction. 

How can I help end the stigma?

• Talking openly about HIV can help normalize the subject. It also provides opportunities to correct misconceptions and help others learn more about HIV. But be mindful of how you talk about HIV and people living with HIV.

The most widely used types of emergency contraceptive pills are:

1. Progestin-only pills (Plan B® One-Step, Next Choice®)

2. Ulipristal acetate (ella®)

What emergency contraception does:

• Prevents pregnancy

• Are NOT effective after pregnancy has occurred and they will not harm the developing fetus

• It is NOT the same as RU-486 (the abortion pill)

• Using Emergency Contraceptive pills will not affect a woman’s ability to become pregnant in the future

• It is best to take EC as soon as possible; the sooner you take EC the more effective it is.

• It has been shown to be effective for up to 5 days.

• For more information, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.

When taken as directed, Emergency Contraception has been shown to be safe and effective

• Emergency Contraception may reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 89 percent.

• The effectiveness of EC varies based on the type used and when it is taken.

• EC is only recommended as a backup and should not be used as your primary method of birth control.

• Emergency Contraceptive pills do not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.

Anyone can be a victim — no matter their gender, sexual orientation, or age. However, certain groups of people are more likely than others to experience sexual assault in their lives. Women (especially women of color), LGBT-identified people, and people with developmental disabilities are more likely to experience sexual assault over the course of their lifetimes.

Source: Planned Parenthood

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE, online.rainn.org) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

Visit https://rainn.org/ to gain more resources!

Parenting includes giving birth and raising your baby to adulthood. 

There are many things to think about when considering parenting. Family, relationships, money, school, work, life goals, personal beliefs, and the well-being of your future child — most people think carefully about all of these things before choosing to parent. But every person’s situation is different, and only you can decide what’s best in your case.

Click HERE if you are considering parenting.

The process of adoption is when you give birth and then choose someone else to parent your child. It’s a permanent, legal agreement where you agree to place your child in the care of another person or family permanently. Some people choose adoption when faced with a pregnancy. Information and support is important, but the decision is personal and only you know what’s best for you.

Click HERE to learn more about adoption.

An abortion is a safe, common, and effective medical procedure that ends a pregnancy.  

In-clinic abortion: 

• A medical professional examines the uterus through an ultrasound

• There are options to manage pain (ask your health provider about your options)

• Most in-clinic procedures use suction that is done through the vagina to empty out the uterus

• Staff will support you, record your vital signs, and review after-care instructions with you 

Medical Abortion (the abortion pill):

• You can get medication for an abortion at an in-person appointment or through a telehealth provider (with meds mailed directly to you)

• The medication you take (at home or in a safe place) will cause the uterus to contract to expel the pregnancy usually within 4-12hours

• Less than 5% of patients may need to take additional medication or have a procedure to complete the abortion 

Abortion appointment scheduling: 

Make an appointment at Planned Parenthood online at pppsgv.org or by calling 626.798.0706 

OR
Visit abortionfinder.org for other alternatives 

Visit Planned Parenthood for more information

• Proposition 1 solidified a person's right to an abortion in the state constitution

• Pregnant people can get an abortion until the time the fetus is viable which means it is likely to survive outside the uterus without extraordinary medical measures 

• Only qualified medical providers are allowed to perform legal abortions and if an abortion is performed outside the legal parameters, there may be criminal charges

• The overturning of Roe vs. Wade does not affect a person's right to abortion care in California

• Pregnant people under 18 have the same right to an abortion as adults do 

• You have the right to make your own decisions about your healthcare. You do not need permission from a caregiver, parent, or any adult for these services: 

  • • Birth control or condoms, pregnancy testing/care

    • Abortions

    • STI testing, treatment, or prevention (only ages 12 and above without permission)

• Before you receive health care, you have the right to ask your doctor to explain who can't receive your medical information

• If you receive sexual or reproductive health care, your doctor is NOT ALLOWED to share information with your parents, caregivers, social worker, group home, or probation officer without your WRITTEN consent. (Note: there are some exceptions in cases of harm or potential harm to a person under 8, this requires a mandated report to ensure safety)

• CONFIDENTIAL MEDICAL RELEASE (Education Code section 48205)

  • • Requires school officials to excuse students to leave school for confidential medical appointments, like an abortion, WITHOUT the school alerting guardians in any way. (e.g. automated phone call home)

*Most youth involve a trusted adult when making health decisions, but some may not feel safe doing so.