Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
among LGBTIQ youth
Everyone who has sex is at risk for sexually transmitted
diseases. This includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered,
and straight youth and adults of all races.
Young people are especially at risk for STIs. If you have
sex, you are at risk. Young gay and bisexual men are
particularly at risk for HIV and other STIs. In the last year,
STIs like gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and syphilis have been
increasing among gay and bisexual men.
Young lesbian and bisexual women can also catch STIs from
other girls, although you are more likely to catch them if you
sometimes have sex with guys, especially if those partners are
your gay and bisexual male friends.
Everyone, regardless of his or her sexual orientation or
gender identity, can be safest by abstaining from oral, anal,
and vaginal intercourse. Everyone who has sex can reduce
the risks of STIs by:
- Using condoms for vaginal and anal sex.
- Using dental dams for oral sex (both genital and anal).
- Having sex with only one person who only has sex with
you. Do not have sex until you have gone with that
person for at least three months and both of you get tested for
HIV and other STIs before having sex.
- Getting hepatitis B vaccinations (an STI you can prevent
with shots!).
- Getting regular, thorough STI checkups, even if you have
no symptoms.
- Keeping an eye out for symptoms and getting treated for
them quickly.
- Talking with your partners about sex and STIs.
- Being proud of who you are and believing that you are
WORTH keeping healthy.
For more information:
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We'd like to thank Advocates for Youth for allowing us to
use portions of this Q and A text, which were taken from an article written by Advocates for Youth in the
summer of 2004. |
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