Featured
STIs
Have You Ever Used a Female Condom?
Condoms may not be the sexiest thing, but when compared to the sexually transmitted illnesses they protect against, they seem infinitely cooler. There are choices to be had in the wide world of condoms — there are his and her models available. While the female condom may not be quite as effective as the male versions (female condoms are 75 to 80 percent effective and male condoms are 85 percent effective), the female version gives the ladies more control in the birth-control department.
Hump Day: Is My Cold Sore Contagious?
Welcome to Hump Day, TrèsSugar's sex advice column! Are you confused about sex? Do you have trouble having an orgasm?
Which Comes First? Getting Tested For STIs or Sex With a Condom
In a perfect world, we'd make our partners get tested for STIs before getting busy in the bedroom, but as we all know, talking about it and making this kind of request with someone you've recently met can be stressful and a little awkward. So I'm curious, are you adamant about your guy getting tested to make sure he's clear of STIs first, or is having protected sex with a condom good enough for you?
Source
Which Comes First?
Group Therapy: What’s the Best Way to Bring Up STI Testing?
I’ve been seeing this guy for about a month and things are going really well. I’m on the pill and would be happy to skip the condoms once we get there, but only if I know he’s been tested for STIs. What’s the best way to ask if he’s been tested, or to ask him to go get tested?
You Asked: Did My Boyfriend Cheat?
Dear Sugar,
I went to the doctor today to find out why I was experiencing a painful breakout on my nether regions, and it turns out I have herpes. I have been with only one man for the last two years, and he is the only man I have ever had intercourse with.
I had a serious talk with him today, and he told me that before we started dating, he got tested for every STI, and they all came back negative.
Free Samples of VCF!
If you're not into taking hormones to prevent pregnancy, and you don't want something long-term like the Depo shot or an IUC, then condoms are a great option. If you're not a fan, another short-term option is to use spermicide, but I only recommend it if the person you're with is STI-free. Creams and gels can be really messy though (and some stain your sheets), so that's where VCF (vaginal contraceptive film) comes in handy!
What's the Deal With the HIV Prevention Pill?
I talk a lot about STIs and how important it is to take measures to prevent contracting or spreading them. Not only can they cause discomfort and infertility, but some, such as HIV, can even result in death. Good news, though — it looks like scientists are working on a pill that can prevent HIV, the STI that causes AIDS.
Group Therapy: I Just Found Out That I Caught Genital Herpes From my Boyfriend
I have been dating this guy for close to a year now, and I just found out that I have contracted genital herpes from him. We've had unprotected sex before, but he promised me that he had been tested, and I had an annual exam where I was declared free of STIs before we started sleeping together. This is a long distance relationship and when I returned home from a recent visit, I began to notice symptoms almost immediately.
Name That STI
Hopefully some of your New Year's resolutions were to get tested for STIs and continue practicing safe sex. These are two simple things you can do to respect your body and keep yourself healthy. Knowing about STIs is helpful too, so take this short quiz to test your knowledge.
Fact or Fiction: Genital Herpes
I know you'd rather not talk about herpes, but the only way you'll know how to prevent yourself from contracting this STI is by knowing the facts and myths. Take this little quiz and you just may learn a thing or two.
Source
Take the quiz
More on TresSugar
Fall Award Season
Top Brands
Shoe Studio
Together
Emporio Armani