HPV (human papillomavirus) is an STD that can lead to cancers later in life if not treated at an early age. This virus is attainable through skin-to-skin contact. This can be through anal, vaginal, or oral sex and can be presented with or without symptoms. 

Fortunately, modern medicine has provided us with an HPV vaccine (2-dose regimen) that individuals may acquire at the early stages of life of 11-12 years old. Talk to your primary care provider today to ask if the vaccine has already been administered to you. 

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that can be received through sexual encounters. This disease is spread through anal, vaginal, or oral sex. 

If one has gonorrhea, common physical symptoms can include: 

• painful or burning sensation when peeing

• discharge (liquid) from genitalia/rectal area  

• vaginal bleeding

• painful/swollen testicles 

If tested positive for gonorrhea, most individuals receive a single injection of ceftriaxone directly in the leg/thigh muscle. 

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is an infection gain through skin-to-skin contact during sexual encounters. If left untreated, it can develop into painful blisters or ulcers on one's body. 

There are two types of HSV that can appear during test: 

• HSV-1: The most common type of herpes, it is spread by oral contact and causes infections in or around the mouth. May also cause genital herpes too. 

• HSV-2: spread through sexual contact and causes genital herpes 

Those infected with herpes often do not have symptoms. Common physical symptoms include fever, body aches, sores or blisters from the infected area and more. Treatment for herpes involves antiviral medication including acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir. 

DoxyPEP is a medication to help reduce their chances of syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea by 60%. When paired with PrEP, people can feel secure and have protection from the most common STDs. When starting DoxyPEP, it is important to remember: 

• you must take two DoxyPEP pills within 24-72 hours of having sexual contact with someone

• only one dose can be taken per day and it will be in your system for 24 hours (if you have sex again within that window) 

• this is not a regimen you take every day like PrEP, only when you have a sexual encounter with someone else

As of now, DoxyPEP is only approved for cis-men. It is encouraged for cis-women to still talk to their providers about other STD prevention methods for their sexual encounters. 

Getting regularly tested is the first step to keeping yourself and others safe during your sexual encounters. To look for a free and/or confidential testing center near you, use the website Get Tested. Testing/treatment should always be free/low-cost to you. Standard testing should be done every three months for those who are sexually active and talk to your center about preventative methods for STDs.