Health Topics
Sexual Health
Sexual health is a normal and important part of overall well-being. It includes preventing infections and unplanned pregnancy, but also feeling informed, respected, and comfortable in your relationships. These guides offer clear, judgment-free information to help you make choices that are right for you.
Sexual Health Basics
An overview of anatomy, consent, healthy relationships, and the routine care that keeps you healthy at every stage of life.
Contraception Options
Compare birth control methods by effectiveness, convenience, and side effects so you can find the option that fits your life.
STD Prevention and Care
Learn how sexually transmitted infections spread, how to lower your risk, when to get tested, and what treatment involves.
Sexual Dysfunction Treatments
Issues like low desire, erectile dysfunction, or pain during sex are common and treatable. Explore causes and effective treatment options.
Sexual Well-Being Tips
Good communication, body confidence, and emotional connection all play a role. Get practical tips for a healthier, more fulfilling sex life.
How Effective Is Birth Control?
Effectiveness depends a lot on how consistently a method is used. The numbers below reflect typical use, meaning how well each method works in real life, including missed pills or occasional mistakes.
Condoms are the only method on this list that also protects against most sexually transmitted infections. Many people use condoms together with another method for both kinds of protection.
Ways to Lower Your STI Risk
Sexually transmitted infections are very common, and many have no symptoms at all. A few simple steps go a long way toward protecting you and your partners.
- ✓Use condoms or dental dams correctly every time
- ✓Get vaccinated against HPV and hepatitis B
- ✓Get tested regularly and before starting with a new partner
- ✓Talk openly with partners about testing and protection
- ✓Ask your doctor whether PrEP for HIV prevention is right for you
- ✓Finish any prescribed treatment completely, and make sure partners are treated too
Who Should Get Tested?
General screening recommendations. Your doctor may suggest more frequent testing based on your situation.
- Everyone 13 to 64: at least one HIV test
- Sexually active women under 25: yearly chlamydia and gonorrhea testing
- Pregnant people: HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B testing early in pregnancy
- Men who have sex with men: at least yearly testing for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea
- Anyone with a new or multiple partners: regular testing based on risk
The Foundations of a Healthy Sex Life
Physical health is only part of the picture. Feeling safe, respected, and heard matters just as much.
Consent
Clear, enthusiastic, and ongoing agreement from everyone involved. It can be withdrawn at any time.
Communication
Talking honestly about boundaries, preferences, and protection builds trust and comfort.
Respect
Healthy relationships are free from pressure, coercion, and control.
Routine Care
Regular checkups, screenings, and honest conversations with your provider keep you healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
This information is for general education only and isn't a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Effectiveness figures are approximate typical-use rates.