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Can we PLEASE stop using the word "clean" to refer to someone who doesn't have an STI? It's stigmatizing to people who DO have STIs and it reinforces this absurd idea that your susceptibility to contracting a contagious infection is based on your moral or social standing. 1/10
Viruses, bacteria, & pubic lice (crabs) don't give a shit that you're a nice person, that you have a good job, or you love your wife, or you "only do this once in a while." They don't care if you're an "elite" escort. These are opportunistic organisms--we're all susceptible. 2/10
So what should you do?
1. Get tested regularly. If you have multiple partners, once every three months, and if you're monogamous once a year. Many cities have community or sexual health clinics where you can get tested anonymously. 3/10
1. Get tested regularly. If you have multiple partners, once every three months, and if you're monogamous once a year. Many cities have community or sexual health clinics where you can get tested anonymously. 3/10
2. Educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of common STIs, how they are transmitted from person to person, and which STIs are most common in your area. One of the most dangerous STIs is syphilis--condoms don't stop transmission, and in Canada rates are rising quickly. 4/10
2. a. Side note on syphilis: it's a bacterial infection that in its earliest stage presents with just a blister. Early-stage syphilis is curable with antibiotics. Untreated late-stage syphilis will kill you. EVERYONE who's sexually active should get tested once a year. 5/10
3. If you don't know your partner's sexual history (ie. casual sex with a stranger or SW), use a condom. They aren't fool-proof, but they're better than nothing, and there are a variety of different styles, materials, & sizes so most people can find something that works. 6/10
4. Sexually active in a relationship? Be honest with your partner(s) re: your sexual behaviour. This is HARD for people, especially my clients. But how much worse would it be if your partner found out you were seeing escorts by contracting an illness? Sit with this one. 7/10
5. People with vaginas--get a Pap smear every 3 years to screen for cervical cancer. Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a common STI that increases your risk of developing cervical cancer, and less commonly cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, throat and mouth. 8/10
5. These are the main points that come to mind right now. If anyone has more to add, please comment. I'm happy to answer questions here, however I highly recommend you talk to your doctor or a sexual health or community nurse. Getting tested is a good opportunity to do this! 9/10
Resources:
Options for Sexual Health: https://www.optionsforsexualhealth.org
HPV vaccine:
https://immunizebc.ca/hpv
Get tested:
http://www.bccdc.ca/our-services/programs/getcheckedonline
10/10
Options for Sexual Health: https://www.optionsforsexualhealth.org
HPV vaccine:
https://immunizebc.ca/hpv
Get tested:
http://www.bccdc.ca/our-services/programs/getcheckedonline
10/10
