Sexuality is a healthy and natural part of our lives. How do you create and keep healthy relationships? How do you know when you’re ready for sex, or if your partner wants to have sex? What makes someone “good in bed”? How can you stop sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)? To make healthy choices we need the right information. This site has lots of information about STDs, so you can make informed decisions. If you are sexually active, there is a good chance you will come in contact at some point with someone who has an (STD). You can't get an STD from a public bathroom, or from kissing, or even from dry humping with clothes on. You can get a STDs from skin-to-skin contact or by getting vaginal fluids, semen, or feces on you or in you during sex. African Americans in Multnomah County between the ages of 15 to 24 are nearly six times more likely to get Chlamydia and gonorrhea infection; compared to white people in the same category. Black people account for nearly 9 percent of HIV/AIDS cases in the Portland metropolitan area but less than 2 percent of the population. Youth --whether straight, gay, bi or transgender -- are more likely to get STDs. Young people can get STDs more easily than older adults because their bodies are not fully developed. Also, more young people have STDs, and they get passed around to other young people. The good news is, some common ones (like chlamydia) are easy to treat, and others (like HPV) can be prevented with a vaccine. Things that increase your chances of getting an STD or HIV are:
There are ways to protect yourself and others and still have a grand time:
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