I know it’s mental health month, but I’m on a flow here:
I’d like to tell you all I’ve had an STI. Multiple. It happens. With monogamy and with same sex partners.
HPV is the most prevalent STI and is incurable, as well as causes cancers in both women and men.
Get tested often.

I’ve had HPV (it worked it’s way out of my system, as it can). I’ve had chlamydia, from a monogamous male partner who had no symptoms. I got scabies (not technically an STI) from a female monogamous partner, who got it handling clothing at her job and had been misdiagnosed.

The more we normalize talking about it, insisting on safer sex practices and testing, advocating for vaccines and treatments, the safer we will all be. A friend of mine was just diagnosed with HIV 5 years after his last partner. I’ve been celibate 5 yrs and insist on tests yearly

Let’s also remember how disproportionally awful medical care and access is for BIPOC folx and the stigmas against LGBQTIA+ folx. It’s the least we can do to be tested and advocate.

One more thing:
DENTAL DAMS

Ladies, gents, let’s use them! My recent gyno appointment left the nurse stunned when I said I use them. I thought I was going to have to explain what they are.