A Girl’s Guide to Staying Safe & Confident — Let’s Talk STI Prevention

Read Time: 4–6 Minutes

Being an active advocate for your sexual health is one of the best things you can do for yourself (and your partners). And, while it might feel a bit personal at times, remember that your doctor or healthcare provider has likely seen it all and is there to help. So, don’t be afraid to ask questions or address your concerns.

Let’s Start With the Basics: What Are STIs, Anyway?

STIs (sexually transmitted infections) might not be the most glamorous topic, but knowing about them is a huge part of taking charge of your health. STIs are bacterial, viral, parasitic or fungal infections that can be passed through intimate contact with a sexual partner. Some of the most common ones you’ve probably heard of include chlamydia, gonorrhea, human papillomavirus (HPV), syphilis, trichomoniasis and herpes. 

Finding ways to stay safe doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little knowledge and some informed choices, you can help protect yourself and your partners. Let’s talk about some simple, effective ways to help lower your risk (or the risk of others) of getting an STI.

Strategies to Reduce the Spread

No one likes the thought of STIs, but the good news is that there are simple yet effective steps you can take to help prevent them from spreading.

Get Vaccinated

Some STIs, like the human papillomavirus (HPV) and Hepatitis B, can be prevented with a vaccine. If you haven’t already, talk to your provider about getting vaccinated. This can provide an extra layer of protection against some of the most common STIs.

Use Protection

This might seem obvious, but it’s worth emphasizing that using protection consistently is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of STI transmission. Barrier methods, like male condoms (external condoms) and the FC2 Female Condom (internal condoms), offer reliable protection when used correctly. Just remember, using protection correctly and consistently every time matters, and some STIs can still be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact in areas not covered by a barrier.

Know the Signs

While some STIs have noticeable symptoms, others might not show any signs at all. If you experience unusual symptoms like abdominal pain, genital discomfort or itching, or changes in discharge, it’s best to see your OBGYN as soon as possible. Identifying an infection early can keep you healthier and help prevent spreading it to others.

Talk With Your Partners

Communication is one of the most important aspects of sexual health. Have an open conversation with your partners about STI prevention and your shared responsibility for it. It doesn’t have to be a serious sit-down — it can be a casual discussion to make sure everyone’s on the same page about STI testing and using protection.

If You’ve Tested Positive for an STI — Now What?

Finding out you have an STI can be a lot to take in. Remember to take a deep breath — you’ve got this! There are steps you can follow to take control of the situation instead of letting it control you.

Discuss Treatment With Your Doctor

Your healthcare provider will guide you through the next steps, offering the right treatment options tailored to your needs. For bacterial infections, antibiotics are often prescribed, while treatment for viral STIs may focus on managing symptoms and reducing the risk of future outbreaks. Your provider can answer any questions and support you on the path to recovery.

Communicate With Your Partners

Though it can feel challenging, open communication with your partners is essential for maintaining sexual health. If they also have the STI and do not seek treatment, they could reinfect you and spread it to others. Encourage your partners to get tested and receive any necessary treatment — together, you’re taking responsible steps that support each other’s health and safety.

If you’re unsure how to start the conversation, resources like Tell Your Partner can help. This service provides confidential tools to notify partners anonymously or directly, making a difficult conversation a little easier.

Continue Being Safe

Once treated, it’s still important to maintain safer sex practices, such as using barrier protection, as some STIs can recur. Talk to your doctor about specific guidelines for your situation.

Making Confident Choices for Your Sex Life

Protecting your health is all about finding what works best for you. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach — it’s about making choices that fit your needs and feel right for your lifestyle.

As the only FDA-approved, female-controlled condom that protects against unintended pregnancy and STIs, the FC2 Female Condom could be a great option if you’re exploring different protection methods. Getting protection shouldn’t mean breaking the bank, either — with a prescription, FC2 may be available for as little as $0, depending on your insurance (check with your provider about your plan’s coverage!).

Curious to see if FC2 is right for you? Check out our guide on how to use FC2 and our FAQ page to get all the details and see how it works!