Health Talk with Jessica: STD testing should be part of your foreplay
It’s late, you’re at a dance, and you and your new partner are really hitting it off. They’ve got the moves down to perfection — their hands on your hips and back are nothing short of arousing. Their words? Smooth as silk, as their breath lightly grazes your skin. Before you even have time to think about the three letters S-T-D, you’re walking through the door of their apartment, adrenaline pumping and ready for what can only be described as an impromptu salsa competition, full of fiery spins, daring dips and sweaty bodies.
We’ve all been there. Casual hookups are on the rise. Whether you are celebrating National Condom Week (Feb. 14-21), affirming your sexual orientation or simply exploring, you are not alone. This is why Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) testing should be as routine as brushing your teeth. It’s not about stigma — it’s about personal hygiene and making sure the fun stays fun.
Jill Anderson, a public health expert and professor at Cal Poly Humboldt, breaks down what routine STD testing should look like.
“If you’re active with multiple partners, consider testing every three to six months,” Anderson said. “If you’re really concerned or stressed about it, test with every new partner.”
Mira Friedman, lead for Health Education and Clinic Support Services at Cal Poly Humboldt, encourages everyone to check their eligibility for the Family PACT program, which offers free STD testing on campus or at Planned Parenthood. If eligible, it’s a quick and confidential way to get health screenings. Plus, results come back fast, so you won’t be left waiting.
“It typically takes 2 to 5 days to get results,” Friedman said.
Let’s be real: sexual arousal can mess with your brain. In the heat of the moment, hormones and excitement are surging, and your brain’s decision-making ability isn’t exactly top-notch. Blood is rushing to, well, other places, and suddenly thinking about things like “Have you been tested?” or “Are we using protection?” is the last thing you want to do. That’s why testing with your new partner before things heat up is a must.
So what if the moment strikes before you’ve had time to test?
These days, it’s insanely attractive to have a partner who knows their status and is open to talking about it. If you’re caught up in the heat of the moment, don’t just hope the other person has protection. Swing by one of the five Safer Sex vending machines on campus for some low-cost supplies and be prepared yourself. Trust me, this will increase the chemistry between you and your partner and speed up the reaction that’s about to happen.
Anderson explained that barrier methods, like male and female condoms and dental dams, are the most effective ways to protect against STDs. While contraceptives like IUDs and implants can prevent pregnancy, they don’t offer protection from infections.
Proceed with Caution
Not all STDs are created equal. Some come with rashes and bumps, while others show no signs or symptoms. According to the U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention’s website, if stealthy STDs, like HPV or syphilis are left untreated, they can lead to infertility, cancer or even death.
Partner Talk
Before jumping into anything, make sure to communicate openly about what you are comfortable with. Anderson emphasizes the importance of talking about your boundaries before you get to the fun stuff. Simply, communication equals better sex.
“If your partner isn’t willing to talk about testing, that could be a dealbreaker,” Anderson said.
Clear communication means no awkward surprises later — and no one wants to play STD roulette when there are other fun games to enjoy.
Places to Get Tested
Campus
Cal Poly Humboldt Student Health & Wellbeing Services
(students only)
707-826-3146
wellbeing.humboldt.edu
Community
Planned Parenthood
(First come, first serve walk-ins welcome)
707-442-5700
plannedparenthood.org
