Stay educated on your health 

No matter your age, it’s important to check in on your sexual health to protect yourself and make sure you’re getting proper medical information.

You might be wondering: 

• Why is sexual health so important?
• Where can I find accurate resources?
• Can I afford care?

It’s normal to have these types of questions and we want to help answer them. 

We’ve supported women from all walks of life in getting the care they need. 

That’s why our mission is to help you understand where to start – and importantly, why you should prioritize sexual health.

Why Are Women More Vulnerable to STIs?

Let’s talk about it. Women face unique challenges when it comes to sexual health, and it’s not just biological – social and cultural factors play a big role too. Here’s a breakdown of what’s going on:

Biological factors:

Women’s bodies are more prone to certain infections. For example, the vaginal wall is thinner, which makes it easier for infections to take hold. Plus, moisture in the genital area can increase the risk of STIs, as can tiny micro-tears caused by sex. It’s just how our bodies work, but it means we need to be extra mindful about prevention.

Socio-economic barriers:

Money matters – and unfortunately, many women face financial roadblocks when it comes to accessing proper sexual healthcare. Women of color, specifically, are more likely to be impacted by systemic inequalities, which limit both their access to care and their ability to afford it. These barriers can make staying healthy feel overwhelming or out of reach.

Cultural influence:

Sometimes, society doesn’t make it easy for women to protect themselves. Gender roles and expectations can make it harder to negotiate safe sex practices, like using condoms or other forms of protection. This can leave women more vulnerable to STIs.

Women are also less likely than men to notice the presence of an STI. That’s because some common infections don’t have obvious symptoms—especially in women. Therefore, the infection may go overlooked. 

Additionally, symptoms that do exist may be misinterpreted. For example, some women may mistake a vaginal STI symptom as normal discharge, or they interpret burning and itching symptoms as a yeast infection. Genital ulcers may not be visible or easily noticeable for lengths of time in the female body. 

Untreated STIs can lead to issues like infertility or pelvic inflammatory disease. Testing regularly is an important part of protecting your health as early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term impacts. 

YOU have the power to protect yourself

If you’ve never taken an STI test before, it may sound a little intimidating. That’s okay!  For healthcare professionals, it’s nothing new and the process is fairly simple.   

Here’s what to expect and how to best prepare:

Get ready for your appointment

• Bring a list of medications you’re currently taking as well as information about your sexual health history (and other medical details you think your doctor should know). For urine tests in particular, doctors usually advise to avoid urinating for at least an hour before the test.

During the test

• You’ll have a brief chat with your doctor or counselor about your sexual history, any symptoms you’ve experienced, and any specific concerns or questions you may have.
• To fully understand your health and ensure you’re taking the right test, your doctor might ask you a few questions, like:
• When was your last sexual encounter?
• Do you use condoms or other protection?
• Are you experiencing any unusual symptoms?
• There are a few different samples that may be collected, but don’t worry, your provider will determine which ones are needed.
• For STIs:
• Urine Sample: Often used to detect infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea.
• Swab Test: A swab may be taken from the genitals, throat, or rectum to test for various infections.
• Blood Test: Used to screen for syphilis, HIV, or hepatitis.
• For HIV:
• Blood Test: A small amount of blood is drawn from your arm or finger.
• Rapid Test (Finger Prick): A quick, less invasive option that can provide results in as little as 20 minutes.
• After the test
• Lab samples are analyzed by medical experts. This process might take a few days (and even up to a week).
• Rapid tests, like a finger prick, may produce the results before you leave the clinic.

What about the results?

• For negative test results
• Your healthcare provider will discuss prevention strategies to help you stay healthy, such as safer sex methods and regular testing.
• For positive test results
• A positive STI or HIV result can be a lot to process. But you won’t have to handle it alone.
• Your doctor or counselor will provide next steps, including treatment options and ways to prevent passing the STI or HIV to others.
• STI treatment is often straightforward with antibiotics or other medications (like a temporary daily pill or one-time shot).
• For HIV, the process includes a few more steps. Your provider will connect you to care for antiretroviral therapy (ART), which could help you live a long and healthy life.

Where can I get tested?

The earlier you start taking charge of your sexual health, the better. For prevention and testing, book an appointment with a provider near you today.

We are here for you

Want additional sexual health resources but not sure where to start? Visit FHCCP to learn more about free testing, educational tools, and resources for women of all ages.

Together, we can break the stigma and prioritize your sexual health.