Before you dive into the STI talk, it’s important to learn a few basics, like the most common types of STIs, how they are spread, and prevention💉, testing🧪, and treatment💊 options. Get more details on STIs: https://www.cdc.gov/sti/

Talking about STIs can be awkward🫠. Shocking, right? 🤷‍♀️But it doesn’t have to be. Focus on keeping the talk calm, positive, and matter-of-fact to make things more comfortable. Remember: the goal is to take care of each other. Get more tips for the talk: https://bit.ly/4nqfyuE

STI testing is easy✅, quick⌚, and confidential🤫. Depending on what you're testing for, it may involve a urine sample, swab, or blood test, and some tests can even be done at home! Learn about your options: https://www.cdc.gov/sti/testing/index.html

Health literacy means having the information you need to make informed decisions.📚This Health Literacy Month, explore our Take Charge Guide for a rundown on preventive sexual health services and tips for talking with your provider about them: ncshguide.org

#DYK a clinical setting can unintentionally trigger memories of past trauma? Physical spaces, sensations, smells, words, and lighting can contribute to re-traumatization. Trauma-informed care helps providers recognize & address these triggers. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3TDQ040

With so many ways to prevent STIs/HIV, explore & decide what works for you before talking to your partner about options. Then, start the convo with something like: “A worry-free sex life is great for both of us. Let’s chat about safer sex.” 🌿 Learn more: https://owntheawk.org/learn/safer-sex/

Domestic Violence Awareness Month reminder: Healthy relationships are built on respect and trust – not fear or control. 💜If you or someone you know needs support, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides 24/7 confidential help. You can call 1-800-799-SAFE(7233) or text START to 88788.

No symptoms doesn't always mean no STI. 👀Many STIs don't show symptoms, but they can still have serious health effects. Testing is the only way to know your status. The good news? Most STIs can be cured or managed with treatment. 📍Find a testing site: https://gettested.cdc.gov/

Trauma-informed care doesn't end when the sexual health exam does. Providers: Remember to recap the visit, make a plan for follow-up, answer patient questions, address any concerns, and offer helpful resources. Learn more about TIC after an exam: https://bit.ly/4w9Eknh

Most STIs are caused by bacteria (like chlamydia, gonorrhea, & syphilis) or viruses (like herpes or HIV). The good news? Bacterial STIs can be cured with antibiotics, while lifelong viral STIs can be well-managed with medications. Learn more: https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/stds_a_to_z/

When was the last time you were tested for HIV?💉🩸 Everyone ages 13 to 64 should get tested at least once. Knowing your HIV status is key to protecting your health. HIV testing is easy, quick, and confidential. This #NGMHAAD, find a testing site nearby: https://gettested.cdc.gov/

This National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, explore your prevention options. 💙 PrEP, available as a daily pill 💊 or a long-acting shot 💉, reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% when taken as prescribed. Learn more: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/prevention/prep.html #NGMHAAD

🌻Birth control helps people take charge of their health and their futures. Whether your goal is preventing pregnancy, managing a health condition, or planning a family, having options matters. Learn more: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control #WorldContraceptionDay

The best birth control method is the one that works for you. ✨This #WorldContraceptionDay, learn about your options and talk with a healthcare provider about what best fits your needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Compare different methods with Bedsider: https://bit.ly/4fFVDG9

Talking about STIs can boost trust and strengthen your connection(s). 💪🫶These convos help keep things honest, prevent unpleasant surprises, and allow everyone to make informed choices about sexual activities. 👉Want more reasons to talk STIs? Head to https://bit.ly/4nqfyuE

That’s a wrap on our Annual Meeting! 🌟 Today we explored innovations in college sexual health, engaging young adults, building effective influencer partnerships & more. Want to be part of future meetings? Apply to become a member today! bit.ly/NCSHMember #NCSH26

Sex should be fun, pleasurable, and a positive part of life. ✨💏 But it can also bring some unwanted things, like STIs. To protect yourself and your partner(s), talk openly about STI testing and your status. 👉Get tips for these talks: https://www.self.com/story/how-to-talk-about-getting-tested

🎉Today’s our Annual Meeting! We’re excited to welcome our members to learn more about innovations in college sexual health, building effective influencer partnerships, & more. Want to become an NCSH member & join next year’s meeting? Membership is free! bit.ly/NCSHMember

When discussing boundaries, pick a time when everyone is relaxed and focused. 🧘‍🧠️Clearly and calmly state your boundaries and give space for your partner(s) to do the same. It’s best to avoid alcohol or drugs during these chats. Get more comms tips: https://owntheawk.org/learn/comms-101/

Trauma-informed care can reduce re-traumatization during sexual health exams. Communicate what you’re doing during the exam, ask permission before each step, avoid triggering language like “relax” & stop if a patient shows signs of discomfort. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4yVO3A6

How someone responds to your boundaries tells you a lot. 👀 A partner who actively listens and respects what you want? Green flag.💚 If they push back, dismiss, or ignore you? Red flag🚩, and it might be time to rethink this relationship. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4thdqZ0

HIV treatment works. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) helps people with HIV stay healthy and thrive. Also, when treatment lowers HIV to an undetectable level, it can’t be transmitted to partners via sex (U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable). Learn more: https://www.hiv.gov/ #NHAAD

This National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day, we recognize the strength of older adults living with HIV. ❤️Thanks to effective treatment, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives. Learn more about prevention, testing, & treatment: https://bit.ly/4yQhnrL #NHAAD

To keep things clear during the heat of the moment, agree on a safe word ahead of time. 🔥⏸️ Choose something easy to remember (like “apple” or “mustard”) that clearly means stop so everyone stays on the same page. Dive into sexual consent: https://owntheawk.org/learn/boundaries-and-consent/

Trauma-informed care begins before the patient’s exam. Discuss their visit goals, check in on their comfort level, ask how you can best support them, establish rapport, and assure them they are in control. For more on integrating TIC before an exam, watch: https://bit.ly/4g6ZRIi

No one should ever be pressured or forced into unwanted sexual activities. If a partner threatens to leave if you don’t do what they want? Red flag! It might be time to figure out if this person is right for you. Read more: https://bit.ly/4f3eFre

If you’re having sex, STIs are a reality. 😳 On any given day, 1️⃣in 5️⃣people in the U.S. have an STI, and young adults are most likely to be affected. That’s why it’s so important to drop the stigma and talk about STIs! Learn how to start the convo: https://bit.ly/4nqfyuE

Providers: navigating next steps after a patient discloses trauma? Start with something like: “Thank you for trusting me with your story. I appreciate the courage it took to share.” Watch this video series for more clinician tips on trauma-informed care: https://bit.ly/4q3yRwL

Provider-to-Provider: Trauma-Informed Care Tips

Five experienced clinicians share practical tips for integrating trauma-informed care before, during, and after routine patient visits.

youtube.com

Healthy relationships respect boundaries. If a partner becomes angry when you’re setting boundaries, threatens you, or tries to control you, take it seriously. You deserve safety. ♥️ Get confidential support by contacting the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788

Boundaries aren’t a one-and-done chat. 💬Remember to keep communicating over time. As your feelings and needs evolve, so might your boundaries. Regular check-ins show that you and your partner(s) care and can help you stay in sync. For more tips, visit https://owntheawk.org/learn/comms-101/