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Tips for Leading a Healthy Sexual Lifestyle

As a member of the Squirt.org community, maintaining a healthy and fulfilling sex life is essential. Here’s how you can prioritize your sexual health and enjoy what you love, while staying safe and informed.

Preventing and Treating HIV

Understanding HIV is crucial for everyone, regardless of your status. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

  • Learn About HIV: Familiarize yourself with how HIV spreads and its common symptoms here. Knowledge is power.
  • If You’re Living with HIV: Stay on your medications to  maintain an undetectable viral load. This means you cannot pass HIV on to your sex partners.
  • If You’re HIV-Negative: Consider starting PrEP, medications that are highly effective at preventing HIV. You can find a comprehensive list of global PrEP programs here.
  • Condoms and Lube: Using condoms and lube–especially together–is an effective way to prevent HIV, particularly if you or your partners are not on PrEP, are not in treatment, or if there’s uncertainty about your HIV status.
  • Using PrEP and/or being HIV undetectable: Even during condomless sex, reduces your chance at passing on or getting HIV.
  • Stay Tested: Regular testing is vital—aim for every 3 to 6 months. Check out the Building Healthy Online Communities Testing section for more information.

Preventing and Treating STIs

Being proactive about STIs is just as important as preventing HIV. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Understand STIs: Learn how various STIs are transmitted and recognize their symptoms here.
  • DoxyPEP: This strategy involves taking a small dose of doxycycline after sex. It has proven effective in preventing chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, even after condomless sex. Find out how to discuss this with your healthcare provider here.
  • Condoms and Lube: Using condoms and lube can effectively prevent many STIs, especially those transmitted through bodily fluids. However, they may be less effective against those spread through skin-to-skin contact.
  • Get Tested: Just like with HIV, regular STI testing every 3 to 6 months is essential for your health. Visit the Building Healthy Online Communities Testing section for more details.

Beyond HIV and STIs: Holistic Sexual Health

While preventing HIV and STIs is crucial, there’s more to consider for a well-rounded sexual health routine.

Vaccines can protect against infections that spread during sex. Here are some to discuss with your healthcare provider:

  • Hepatitis A & B: These viruses are transmitted through sexual such as oral and rimming, via bodily fluids like semen and blood. Ask your healthcare provider for the vaccine or contact your local health department.
  • HPV:  HPV is the virus that causes anal, cervical, and oral/throat cancers. These cancers impact our community at high rates. Ask your healthcare provider for the vaccine or contact your local health department or public health agency. 
  • Meningitis: This is a serious and often fatal bacterial infection that can be spread through kissing or sex. It can also be spread through sharing smoking equipment, like pipes. Ask your healthcare provider for the vaccine or contact your local health department. 

Understanding Your Limits

Hooking up can be a thrilling way to connect, but it’s essential to be aware of your limits and any challenges you may face. Here are some resources to support you:

Creating a sexual lifestyle that works for you is about prioritizing your health and well-being. Stay informed, stay safe, and enjoy your connections within the Squirt.org community!

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