#HPV and Syphilis

[maddie-grove]

I’m once again thinking about the Sex and the City episode where Miranda is weirded out that her boyfriend always showers after sex and her reaction is basically validated when it turns out to be a Catholic guilt thing. Mostly because I’ve known multiple people who (wrongly) believed that showering before/after sex is an essential part of STI prevention.

[batmanisagatewaydrug]

would you like to tell us about your research on virginity?

but also...wdym STIs aren't as scary as we think??? I was told most of them are incurable? I know you can make aids untrasmittable and that they've even succeded in curing it a couple times but that's about it. I would love to be educated about this

yeah, the basic idea with the virginity project was that the whole concept of virginity is pretty bullshit in the context in which it was initially significant, namely cisgender women being penetrated by cisgender men, so as soon as you take it outside of that context by introducing gay and trans sexuality it totally falls apart. I mean, hell, it stops working if you even look at two cishet people doing literally anything OTHER than penis-in-vagina sex. I tripped up so many people initially when I started asking questions like "okay, so you don't think a woman loses her virginity from a man going down on her. so what if it's two women? what's the difference?" and just really getting people to face down their very penis-centered view of the sex, to the result of several people telling me that it kind of made them reevaluate what they actually think of as the first time they had sex. it's also fascinating to either read other people's accounts or discuss firsthand how queer people have either tried to make themselves fit into the binary of virginity - queer man disagreeing over whether or not you have to have penetrative anal sex to lose your virginity or oral sex is sufficient, a fascinating case of a lesbian who felt that have sex with other cis women didn't "count" and asked a cis male friend to have sex with her just so she could feel satisfied that she'd lost her virginity - or abandon it entirely. Hanne Blank's book Virgin was a formative starting point, and it really exploded for me from there.

as for the STIs - hey, bad news! you fell victim to the scare tactics used to make people afraid of sex! almost all sexually transmitted infections are very easy to treat and cure with the right medicine, which is why it's important to get tested regularly and check in with your healthcare provider at the first sign of something amiss. pubic lice, scabies, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis - all of those are pretty easy to get rid of with some help from your doctor and a run to the pharmacy!

the major exceptions are the 4 H's: herpes, HIV, HPV, and hepatitis B.

herpes is with you forever but is an incredibly mild companion to share your body with, considering most people never experience any notable symptoms and those who do can curb the severity with medicine.

it's also worth noting that herpes is so common as to be virtually ubiquitous; the World Health Organization consistently estimates that somewhere around 80% of the world's adult population is carrying herpes simplex virus 1 or herpes simplex virus 2. a great deal of those people don't even get it from having sex, but rather by catching HSV-1 from a parent or other people they come is close contact with as a child.

you're actually thinking of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) when you mention AIDS becoming untransmittable, but that's still a very good thing! the care available for people with HIV has come incredibly far since AIDS first became known and claimed so many lives, and today it's more than possible for people infected with HIV to live long, healthy lives by taking the proper medication to manage their viral load.

with management, people with HIV will not develop AIDS (which happens when the immune system is sufficiently depleted by HIV) and by consistently taking their medication people with HIV can become undetectable (the viral load in their body is too small to be detected or measured in tests), at which point they are unable to transmit the virus to other people.

HPV (human paillomavirus) comes in many different strains, most of which are absolutely harmless and go away on their own after a couple of months or years of freeloading in your body. I cannot emphasize this enough: HPV is so common that virtually everyone who has sex has, will have, or has had it in their lives, and the vast, VAST majority of those people will never be troubled by it literally at all.

the trouble comes from a few strains of HPV that can cause genital warts, and a few others that can cause cancers in the throat, anus, cervix, vulva, vagina, and penis. while HPV can't be treated, you can reduce your risk of developing cancer by getting the HPV vaccine if you haven't already and, if you have a cervix, getting regular Pap smears to catch early warning signs of cancerous developments.

hepatitis B is a viral infection that targets the liver. in rare cases it can cause chronic health problems that can be very dangerous, but I have to emphasize that's not common. in most adults who get hep B, there will be no symptoms and it will resolve itself in a matter of weeks. the infection is riskiest in children, but at least in America most people have received vaccines against hepatitis B as babies since the 90s.

in conclusion: get your shots, take your medicine, use protection, get tested, and talk to your doctor, but know that if there's one thing humans are good at it's figuring out how to manage STIs. we've been doing it for a long time - most sexually transmitted infections and parasites have been with us since before we we became modern humans - so we're really good at it!

[beardedmrbean]

I heard we are now at the cusp of chlamydia being untreatable via antibiotics, fun times

In United States, drug-resistant gonorrhea is a public health problem of national concern. But untreatable gonorrhea isn’t the only STD that has health officials worried.

Earlier this week, the World Health Organization released new treatment guidelines for three common sexually transmitted diseases — chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis— in response to increasing antibiotic resistance.

Gonorrhea has developed the strongest resistance to drugs, but the worries about untreatable syphilis and chlamydia come at a time when rates for the three STDs are rising rapidly in the U.S, especially among young people ages 20 to 24. According to data published by the CDC in 2014, the most recent year available: cases of chlamydia have increased 2.5 percent; gonorrhea 5.1 percent; and syphilis 15.1 percent. This is the first increase in the United States since 2006.

How worried should we be?

“STDs are hidden epidemics of enormous health and economic consequence in the United States,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In the US, STDs are most frequent among college-age women, the highest prevalence being among women, ages 20 to 24.

According to the CDC, there are about 820,000 new gonorrhea infections each year in the United States. In fact, gonorrhea is the second most commonly reported infectious disease, after chlamydia.

In the past, gonorrhea was successful treated by several classes of antibiotics, including the ubiquitous penicillin. Over time, however, gonorrhea has developed resistance to many of them, and now, we are down to one recommended effective class of antibiotics to treat it.

The problem doesn’t end there. Gonorrhea is even starting to show decreased susceptibility to this “last line” treatment option. This makes this bacterium a multidrug-resistant organism, which are often called “superbugs”.

As for chlamydia and syphilis, drug resistant strains have not become common in the US yet, but the WHO report warns that this is a growing problem in many parts of the world.

How can untreatable STDs be prevented?

Anyone who is sexually active can get an STD.

That said, STDs are preventable and there are steps you can take to keep yourself and your partner healthy. Remember that protecting your health is your responsibility:

Condoms: Use them correctly every time you have sex.

Have fewer partners: Ideally, agree to only have sex with one person who agrees to only have sex with you.

Talk with your partner: Talk with your sex partner about STDs and staying safe before having sex.

Get tested: Make sure you both get tested to know for sure that neither of you has an STD.

Get vaccinated: Safe and highly effective vaccines are available for two STDs: hepatitis B and HPV. HPV is in fact the most common STD. There are specific recommendations for routine and catch up vaccinations for these two STDs. ____________________

This is from 2016 and I cut a bunch out of the middle.

2nd bullet point there probably gonna make some people grumpy, something about suggesting monogamy makes people mad.

[efflar8272]

How Safe Are Condoms? The Truth About Protection, STIs, and Sexual Health ?

We’ve all seen the catchy slogans on posters or heard them in sex-ed videos: ��Condoms keep you safe!” But let’s be honest—those messages can sometimes give the illusion that condoms are 100% foolproof when it comes to HIV or other STIs. The reality? No safer sex method is completely risk-free. And that’s okay.

Let’s dive deeper into how effective condoms really are, what they can protect you from, and how to stay mindful of your sexual health.

Why We Say “Safer Sex,” Not “Safe Sex”

It’s important to know that there’s no such thing as 100% safe sex. That’s why experts use the term safer sex. All forms of sexual activity carry some risk—whether it’s HIV, chlamydia, HPV, or herpes—but many of these infections are treatable, manageable, or even preventable.

What makes sex safer is information, open communication, and regular health checkups. The goal is not to avoid sex but to enjoy it responsibly and confidently.

Condoms & HIV: High Protection, Not Perfection

When used correctly and consistently, condoms (and internal condoms, also known as femidoms) are highly effective at preventing HIV. But that “correct use” part is key.

Here’s where things can go wrong:

The condom tears or slips off during sex (especially if the erection softens).

You’re using the wrong size—too tight or too loose.

The condom is expired, damaged by heat, or was opened with teeth or nails.

You use oil-based lubricants with latex condoms, which can cause them to weaken and break.

For anal sex, stronger condoms and plenty of water-based lubricant are essential for better protection.

Tip: Avoid Vaseline, massage oil, or any oil-based lube with latex condoms—they damage the material. Always stick to water- or silicone-based lubes for safety.

What About Other STIs Like Syphilis or Gonorrhea?

Here’s the catch: Some sexually transmitted infections are spread before the condom even goes on. STIs like syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia are often transmitted during:

Fingering or oral sex

Genital touching

Kissing or licking

Condom application itself (if hands or genitals are already exposed)

These STIs don’t always need fluids to transmit—mucous membrane contact is often enough. So while condoms do help by reducing skin-to-skin and mucosal contact, they don’t block everything.

Still, using a condom is way better than not using one—it significantly reduces transmission risk.

And what about oral sex?

Most people don’t use protection during oral sex, but STIs can still be transmitted that way. Using condoms or dental dams (also called “leak-proof sheets”) during oral play can offer protection, but they’re often skipped—especially in the heat of the moment.

That’s why it’s extra important to stay tested regularly if you’re sexually active.

HPV, Herpes & Skin-to-Skin Transmission

HPV (human papillomavirus), which can cause genital warts, is the most common STI in the world. It spreads through skin flakes, so even the best condom can’t fully block it. The good news? Vaccination is highly effective—and many health insurers cover it, especially for young adults.

Herpes, on the other hand, spreads through contact with blisters or sores—even if they’re not visible. Oral herpes (cold sores) can be passed to genitals, and vice versa. A rule of thumb: If there's a blister, don’t kiss or go down there.

Self-Awareness Is Sexual Health

So, should you stop trusting condoms? Absolutely not. Condoms are one of the best tools we have for preventing HIV and reducing risk for many other STIs.

But it's just as important to understand their limitations. By being informed, you’re empowered to make smarter, more self-aware decisions in your sex life.

Talk About It—With Partners, Friends, and Yourself

Let’s face it—sex is still a taboo topic in many homes, schools, and communities. But it shouldn’t be.

Open communication about condoms, STIs, and sexual desires can improve your confidence, deepen your connections, and help you take control of your health.

So talk to your partner. Ask about testing. Share what you’re comfortable with. This kind of honesty is sexy—and safe.

Make STI Testing a Routine

If you’re enjoying sex with different partners or exploring your sexuality, get tested regularly—just like you'd go for a dental checkup or an eye exam.

At-home kits like those from S.A.M. Health make it easier than ever. You can discreetly test yourself for a range of STIs, including HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, with lab-level accuracy—all from the comfort of home.

Whether it’s vaginal, oral, or anal sex, these kits give you the full picture and peace of mind. Plus, checkpoints and expert consultations are available to answer your questions before and after testing.

Bottom Line: Be Informed, Not Afraid

Condoms are an essential part of safer sex, but they’re not magic. Knowing their strengths—and their limits—gives you the power to protect yourself and others.

Your sexual health is yours to own. Talk about it. Test regularly. Stay curious. And keep it safe—and sexy.

[daughterofthesea111]

i wanna fuck your cute little mouth and cum down your throat until your crying and begging me to stop

i have aids, herpes, syphilis, rabies, tuberculosis, chlamydia, hpv, chicken pox, ebola and DN...

[wumblr]

well, ask your doctor if post-exposure antibiotics may be right for you i guess. i hadn't heard of these actually, and they're still in trial phase and not yet approved for this use, but i suppose asking a doctor might marginally help expedite that if you are able. these trial results look very promising

offhandedly, you might have better luck asking an STI clinic than a general practitioner. and while you're there, get tested if you haven't recently. syphilis/chlamydia/gonorrhea in particular have been on the rise, and at least some 2 out of those 3 are likely included in any free basic panel test

while we're on the topic there are newer meningitis and HPV vaccines that were probably not available during any adult's routine vaccination and may never be administered routinely, but i've heard they're not hard to request (maybe more from a GP or a pharmacy than a clinic, but if a clinic doesn't administer them they can tell you who does)

this does also run the risk of collapsing sexual health practices down to "yeah i take prophylactics" which is, you know, not a robust discussion and not really a good reason to forego condom use. but that's been an ongoing problem for at least a decade

[wildsummerrose]

Respectfully, OP, while I love hypothesizing as much as the next person, I think you would have been well served to do some research about STDs on Wikipedia before making this post. A lot of what you said is inaccurate.

First off, I would vociferously disagree with your categorization of AIDS as not "[reaching] plague proportions." Over 25,000,000 people have died of it so far, and there are 33,000,000 people currently living with it. This journal article (cited in the wikipedia article about AIDS) even characterizes it as a pandemic:

A large proportion of Boomer and Gen-X LGBT+ folks were wiped out by AIDS in the 80s. The AIDS crisis (and that's literally what it was called) was so bad that there were scary, extremely serious PSAs like these being put on broadcast TV:

You are probably right that its relative newness is part of why it kills so many. However, its symptom onset is usually slow enough (months or years after exposure) that people can pass it on to lots of people before they realize they have it. Thus, it's unlikely to become less lethal over time. Syphilis is similar. It has been with humanity for hundreds–if not thousands–of years, and has killed millions and millions of people during that time. It's only become a relatively "not big deal" since the invention of penicillin, which it's highly susceptible to in its early stages.

Also, I think the STD you were thinking of with Cancer is HPV, which is known to cause cervical cancer. (Fortunately, there's a vaccine for that now.)

Sorry for being kind of an asshole about this, but there's a lot of false health info out there. It's important to be accurate about stuff like this.

That being said--I had no idea that AIDS had even been an issue for a century. So thanks for inspiring me to read up on the history of AIDS.

I think we don’t talk enough about how /weird/ AIDs is

Like we think of STDs as a big deal, because of AIDs and sexual taboos, but really after AIDs the closest thing to a deadly STD ( to my understanding) is Syphilis, which is only dangerous in the sense that it increases your chance of getting certain kinds of cancer later in life.

I mean, go back a century and STDs were seen as something soldier’s would lightly rib each other for getting cause it meant they fucked a local/prostitute.

And it only jumped to humans recently! Estimates vary a bit but let’s say 1915-1921, It’s so tempting to imagine what society would look like, Without the AIDs crises, Without AIDs as another disease in Africa soaking up limited Health initiative funds, Without it as a constant threat. It was so recent, we are so close to that timeline.

And part of its deadliness is almost certainly because of its youth, that it hasn’t adapted to its new host quite yet, that it hasn’t maximized how to keep its-host alive and active and spreading its viral particles everywhere,that it hasn’t reached plague proportions ( and hopefully never does) and had to show some self restraint to keep having fresh incubators.

Don’t know what the point of this was.

[sapphic-sex-ed]

my girlfriend and i want to get more intimate with each other but im concerned about possibly contracting an STD/STI. can we contract one of we’re both clean and use no dams? or is protection always the way to go?

STD/STI are acronyms for Sexually Transmitted Diseases/Sexually Transmitted Infections and as with any disease, if you are not exposed to the virus/bacteria that causes it, you cannot transmit it. If you have been tested and have the results come back negative, you do not have the disease and cannot transmit it*.

If you have not been tested but don't experience any symptoms (and has had previous sexual partners), you can still be infected and transfer the disease. It is believed that upwards of 80% of humans are infected with herpes (HSV1 or HSV2) but most don't show any symptoms, called being asymptomatic. Other STIs where it's common to be asymptomatic are chlamydia, HPV/genital warts (only some strains cause warts), and latent syphilis (although you would have noticed syphilis symptoms like rashes before the latent phase, which is a phase that sometimes occurs before the third/final stage of the disease).

If neither of you have had partners before**, or if you have been tested negative 3 months after your last sexual encounter, you don't have an STI.

Furthermore, hand and oral sex on vulvas are considered the safest ways to have sex when it comes to transmission of STIs. Now, I don't know you or your partner's genitals but I'm guessing based on the dental dam comment that it's likely that the sex you'll be having will mainly involve vulvas. While you absolutely can contract an STI in your throat, the amount of vaginal fluid you would have to guzzle to get enough pathogens down to your throat to cause infection is a lot. Semen is a lot more effective at transmitting diseases because, uh, its purpose is to get that shit (spermatozoa) in there, so to speak. It's not risk free, but nothing in life is. This is so low risk that the Swedish organization for sexual and reproductive rights and education (founded in the 30's, leading org for SRHR in the nation) which also produce and sell condoms, at home pregnancy and STI-tests, lube, etc, don't sell dental dams at all. That being said, dams can be fun to play with vis a vis sensation (taut dam vs relaxed dam, for example) and if you want to use one I would never dissuade you from it.

I do wanna bring attention to the usage of the word "clean" to denote that you aren't infected with an STI. It's a common way to phrase it, but it does stigmatize those who have been or are infected with an STI. To say that one is "clean" to mean "not infected" directly implies that to be infected is dirty or unclean, which it is not. This is part of the stigma of contracting and living with an STI, where a moral judgement is cast upon the person. As some STIs are life long, like HIV, herpes, and sometimes hepatitis, the stigma can also be life-long. In the future, I suggest using terms like "not infected" or "tested negative" to avoid this.

-mod liz

*because of incubation time, you have to wait up to three months for some STIs to show up on a test, so if you sleep with a new partner, getting tested the next week may not yield accurate results.

**some STIs are not exclusively sexually transmitted. You can for example contract HIV at birth if your parent was a carrier, hepatitis C can spread through blood, and herpes can infect both mouth and genitals and sharing a glass of water with somebody with oral herpes can transmit it. Unless there's any reason to suspect that you have contracted HIV or hepatitis from somewhere else (like a tattoo or injection needle, or if you mixed your blood with somebody somehow like in an accident) I wouldn't be too worried though.

[puckthedrama]

Something to think about if you’d let cheating slide…the health risks. Is he using a condom correctly, every time? Is he using it for oral, too? Is he using a barrier if he goes down on her? Is he then refraining from all sex before getting tested then having sex with you? Do you realize the incubation for some diseases (certain strains of syphilis) can be TWENTY YEARS? It can take a month for HPV to show up on a test, 22 weeks for Hepatitis, 2 to 4 weeks for HIV. Even with perfect condom use? He is still putting you at risk. Is the $$ worth that?

☝🏻more on dating & cheating!

100% agreed.. always ask about testing first because some of these men… are gross.

[elitebodyhome]

Common Symptoms of STDs: What You Need to Know

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) can affect anyone who is sexually active. Symptoms often vary depending on the type of infection, but common signs include unusual genital discharge, burning sensation during urination, itching, and sores or bumps around the genital area. Some STD symptoms, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, may cause pelvic pain or bleeding between periods, while others, such as syphilis, can lead to rashes or flu-like symptoms. Infections like herpes may result in painful blisters, and HPV might cause genital warts. It's important to note that many STDs can be asymptomatic, making regular testing crucial for early detection. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical advice immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and protect your health.

[99-wrath]

Haha 69. It's funny because 69ing, or doing 69, is sharing oral sex with your partner; in other words, it’s giving and receiving oral sex at the same time. Oral sex is when people use their mouths to stimulate another person’s genitals. Oral sex on a woman is called “cunnilingus.” On a man it’s called “fellatio.” Anyone — girl or guy — can give or receive oral sex as long as she or he is comfortable with it and wants to engage in in oral sex. Oral sex cannot cause pregnancy. But it can pass on infections, whether the person is giving or receiving genital stimulation. These infections include gonorrhea, syphilis, chancroid, herpes, hepatitis B, cytomegalovirus, human papilloma virus (HPV), herpes, and, rarely, HIV and chlamydia. Oral sex is generally less risky for these infections than unprotected vaginal or anal sex, but there is still some risk. Using a barrier can reduce the risks. For safer oral sex, use a condom to cover the penis, or a Sheer Glyde dam, cut-open condom, or plastic wrap to cover the vulva or anus. In reference to the sex position, "69" has become an internet meme, where users will respond to any occurrence of the number with the word "nice" and draw specific attention to it. This means to sarcastically imply that the reference to the sex position was intentional. Because of its association with the sex position and resulting meme, "69" has become known as "the sex number" in certain communities.

[batmanisagatewaydrug]

Hi sexy witch.

More questions about STI screening - how necessary is it to go for screening if I (penis haver) have only ever had protected sex, and want to have protected sex with a new partner. If I was to have unprotected sex with that same partner would that matter?

Really appreciate what you do here!!! Have a cracking day. :);

hi rojav!

this is a really great question, and I'm glad you asked it!

condoms are really great at preventing the transmission of some STIs, namely the ones that are spread by fluids - think HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.

what condoms can't protect you from, which I wish more educators talked about, are STIs that are spread by skin-to-skin contact - that's things like syphilis and the extremely common HPV and herpes. while condoms can definitely reduce the risk by decreasing the amount of direct contact happening between bodies, they're not as effective with these kinds of STIs.

and it bears repeating, since many people don't know this, that some STIs (including herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis) can also spread via contact between a mouth and a partner's genitals or anus, and infect the throat or mouth. a condom on your penis won't prevent you from spreading an infection in your throat, unfortunately.

so it's entirely possible that, even if you've only ever had sex with a condom, you could still have an STI and be capable of giving an STI to someone else - something that's definitely worth knowing, especially if you plan to have sex without a condom in the future.

I don't say any of this to make people paranoid or feel hopeless about their chances of ever reducing the transmission of STIs - again, using condoms and other barrier methods does absolutely help reduce the risk of transmission, and is very much worth the effort. and, in the worst case scenario, there's no need to fear most STIs! just make sure you're getting tested regularly as needed (might I recommend making a date out of it?) and go to a healthcare provider promptly if you notice anything that seems off with your body. it may be uncomfortable or awkward in the moment, but trust me: an awkward conversation about your sex life is MUCH less uncomfortable than untreated syphilis will be in the long run.

[culturalsillystine]

Haha 69. It's funny because 69ing, or doing 69, is sharing oral sex with your partner; in other words, it’s giving and receiving oral sex at the same time. Oral sex is when people use their mouths to stimulate another person’s genitals. Oral sex on a woman is called “cunnilingus.” On a man it’s called “fellatio.” Anyone — girl or guy — can give or receive oral sex as long as she or he is comfortable with it and wants to engage in in oral sex. Oral sex cannot cause pregnancy. But it can pass on infections, whether the person is giving or receiving genital stimulation. These infections include gonorrhea, syphilis, chancroid, herpes, hepatitis B, cytomegalovirus, human papilloma virus (HPV), herpes, and, rarely, HIV and chlamydia. Oral sex is generally less risky for these infections than unprotected vaginal or anal sex, but there is still some risk. Using a barrier can reduce the risks. For safer oral sex, use a condom to cover the penis, or a Sheer Glyde dam, cut-open condom, or plastic wrap to cover the vulva or anus. In reference to the sex position, "69" has become an internet meme, where users will respond to any occurrence of the number with the word "nice" and draw specific attention to it. This means to sarcastically imply that the reference to the sex position was intentional. Because of its association with the sex position and resulting meme, "69" has become known as "the sex number" in certain communities.

Also don't brush your teeth after you perform cunnilingus it can heighten the chance of STIs

[er-cryptid]

What Tests Look For (STIs)

Urine Test -- chlamydia -- gonorrhea

Blood Test -- HIV -- syphilis -- herpes -- hepatitis B

Swab Test -- HPV -- herpes -- chlamydia -- bacterial vaginosis -- gonorrhea -- syphilis -- trichomoniasis

Oral (Cheek) Swab Test -- HIV

Physical Exam -- warts -- bacterial vaginosis

[triplexdoublex]

Do you get std even if they use condom?

When used correctly condoms offer 98% protection against chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, HIV and hepatitis B. However condoms offer little to no protection against herpes, genital warts, syphilis and HPV which can be all spread be spread just skin-to-skin contact. STD/STI’s can also be spread though oral sex.

While kells said he was slways smart and used with randoms , we know he fucked Kelly Kay raw, and Halsey raw 👀😬. And I’m sure some other celebs he trusted. And now Megan of course.