Sexual health and wellness writers Gabrielle Kassel and Adrienne Santos-Longhurst are here to tell you more with a stellar line-up of articles for STI Awareness Week, which runs from April 10 to April 16.
First, Kassel gives us all a much-needed reminder that yes, we are still in the midst of a pandemic. Regardless of what elected officials say, COVID-19 is still a threat to even the healthiest of us — and it’s affecting the way we get tested for STIs.
The pandemic has also changed the way we think about safer sex. Historically, safer sex has been defined as reducing the risk of STI transmission during partnered (or multi-partnered) sexual activity. Now, safer sex includes reducing the risk of both STI and COVID-19 transmission.
(Have questions about getting the COVID-19 vaccine? Check out our article on vaccine safety.)
To learn more about which STI tests you should get, Kassel offers a deep dive into nongenital STI testing and anal STI testing, specifically.
She also compiled our comprehensive guide to STI testing with crucial information about which community organizations offer testing and the vetted free or lower-cost locations in the top, middle, and bottom of each state and in Washington, D.C.
Santos-Longhurst rounds out this year’s collection with an extensive breakdown of who to share your STI test results with and how to go about it. Be sure to peep the super-helpful templates for texting or talking on the phone or in person about your results.
Something else on your mind? Our sex, relationships, and identity hub covers everything from pandemic-related relationship woes and anal sex tips to exploring your gender, unpacking body neutrality, and more.
Tess Catlett is a sex and relationships editor at Healthline, covering all things sticky, scary, and sweet. Find her unpacking her inherited trauma and crying over Harry Styles on Twitter.
This content was originally published here.