Right On!

False. Most STDs have no symptoms at all! That means that you may not know even if you have an STD, and you can't tell whether the hottie dancing next to you has one either. Sure, sometimes STDS announce their presence loud and clear through painful sores or oozing discharge but most of the time they sneak in with no symptoms whatsoever. And whether or not they have symptoms, they can still cause long-term illnesses, or cancer, among some other things. And people can still give each other STDs when there are no symptoms.

What are we talking about when we say STD? Things like syphilis, chlamydia, herpes, HPV, and HIV. If you're wondering about what any of these are, and how you can protect yourself, click here.

So if you or your luuuuuv partner has had sex before, you could be sharing more than luvin' - you could be swappin' sexually transmitted infections without realizing it. Doctors recommend both you and your honey get tested for STDs before you two get some. Testing-often FREE testing-is available for you at your local public health clinics, Planned Parenthood clinics, and even your family doctor. (Call the STD hotline at 1 800 227-8922 to get info on where to find a free or low-cost clinic with confidential STD testing in your area).

A note of caution my friends: men, don't assume that getting a physical exam, or women, that getting a GYN (gynecological) check-up means getting checked out for STDs. Some clinics only test for a few STDs, and many doctors don't check for any! So when you call to make your appointment, tell the receptionist you want to get tested for every STD possible-and please, can you have an anonymous HIV test too.

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