it's pride month so here's your sex ed reminders
-get the hpv vaccine if you don't have it. even if you think you're too old. they raised the age limit. get it. hpv can and will kill you and/or your partners.
-planned parenthood does low cost std tests. you should get tested every year if you are sexually active, even if you do not have any new partners.
-there are programs for free/low cost PREP and PEP. if you have frequent new partners or a positive partner, you should take advantage of these programs.
-use condoms, dental dams, etc for any new or untested partners.
-don't fucking douche it's bad for you no matter which hole.
-please don't abuse laxatives or other bowel medications to be "clean" either it is not worth the damage to your intestines.
-do not use perfumed products on your genitals.
-do not use sugar products on your genitals.
-if you have insurance, pap smears are covered in your annual. get one at least every 2-3 years. preferably annually. do not let discomfort kill you.
-if you have a prostate, get it checked regularly.
-if you have had SRS, you should still have a regular pelvic exam.
-you should do self exams and mammograms regularly. yes even after top surgery. traces of breast tissue can remain and can get cancer.
-testing positive for an std is 100% morally neutral. caution is for safety, not for shame.
-do not ignore genital or pelvic pain. infections, disorders, and cancers of this region can be extremely aggressive.
-there are programs for free or low cost birth control. check planned parenthood.
-plan B only works up to a certain weight. ella and some generics work better. read up on whatever you get. keep some on hand if you can. always check the expiration date.
-HRT is not effective birth control. Single digit sperm counts can still manage. No period =\= sterile. Take appropriate precautions, especially if abortion is not accessible in your region.
-there are various common foods and medications that can cause birth control to fail. always check for interactions.
-some allergens can be transferred through bodily fluids. be mindful of severe allergies when making contact.
-stds can spread through oral contact, shared sex toys, open wounds, genital contact, etc. there is no sexual preference or genital configuration that exempts you from risk.
-wash sex toys between uses. you can use condoms on sex toys.
stay safe, have sex, etc.