Sexual Health and Your Patients: A Provider’s Guide can help healthcare providers better integrate sexual health conversations and recommended preventive services into routine visits with adolescents and adults.
If you’re a sexually active person— or even if you’re not right now—you probably have questions about your sexual health. Like, should I be tested for STIs? Which ones? Or what are my options for preventing pregnancy? You also might have questions about your libido and why it’s so low…or so high, and whether that’s normal. Or why sex is painful, or getting an erection is so difficult. It’s not always easy to bring these topics up, and it may not be clear exactly what questions you should be asking about your sexual health.
Molluscum Contagiosum is an infection that causes small bumps on your skin. It goes away by itself and usually isn’t dangerous.
Scabies are tiny parasites that cause itching. Passed through skin-to-skin contact, usually during sex. Can be cured.
“Trich” is a major cause of vaginitis. It’s very common and easily treated.
Syphilis is a common bacterial infection. It’s easily cured with medicine, but it can be dangerous if you don’t treat it.
Pubic Lice, also known as "crabs" are small parasites that attach to the skin and hair near your genitals. Easy to get rid of with treatment you can get at the drugstore.
HPV is a super common STD. HPV is usually harmless and goes away by itself, but some types can lead to cancer.
HIV is an infection that breaks down your immune system and can lead to AIDS. There’s no cure, but treatment can help you stay healthy.
A common STD that infects your mouth and/or genitals. Causes blistery sores. There’s no cure, but symptoms are treatable.
