We know you take care of your body. You (usually) take vitamins. You eat a (decently) balanced diet. You (try to) get your steps in. You go to the doctor every year — and get checked out if anything comes up.
And you get checked regularly for STDs.
Just like getting a yearly physical, getting tested for STDs and HIV at least once per year lets you know exactly what’s going on inside your body. And having that knowledge will make you feel powerful and in control of the choices you make for your health.
Getting tested also benefits your sexual partner(s) — and our community here in DC. Because when you know what’s up down there, you can get the right treatment (if you need it) and learn how to keep yourself — and everyone else — happy and healthy.
Safe sex is an act of self love.
– Miya Yamanouchi
WHAT TO DO: GET TESTED
As a general rule, it’s a good idea for all sexually active people to get tested for STDs once a year. And if you feel like maybe something’s not quite right? That’s also a great time to get checked out!
WHERE TO GET TESTED
First stop: Your regular doctor. But if you don’t have one (or you just feel kind of awkward talking to your primary care provider about this issue), check out our map of health care clinics or pop in to one of the places listed below. Also, if you don’t have insurance, don’t worry. These all offer STD testing either free of charge or on a sliding scale.
