Every time I think of Get Yourself Tested that song, “Let’s Talk About Sex” by Salt-n-Pepa, pops into my head.   The lyrics make complete sense; they simply say, “let’s talk about all of the good and bad things about sex,” and the women in that group are referring to an important conversation people should have with their partners.

How easy is it to talk about the three letter word S-E-X? I think a few of us find it quite challenging. The awkwardness associated with discussing sex hangs over young people regardless of whether the word pops up amongst friends or family. I have always wondered why that is when sex causes some of the most common diseases in today’s society. (http://www.cdcnpin.org/stdawareness/gyt_campaign.htm)

We need to bring a change to this problem, to get more people comfortable about discussing sexual health concerns and issues. I believe we’d all be surprised what a small conversation could lead to, so I am going to provide a few talking tips all of us could use revolving around that three letter word “S-E-X.”

When talking to your parents:

• Sit down in a room where you can speak to them without any interruptions.
• Let them know you want to discuss something concerning your health.
• Be honest and upfront. You can say something like, “I want to make an important decision about sex and I want talk to you about getting tested for STI’s.”

Visit Planned Parenthood for more resources and tips at www.plannedparenthood.org/teen-talk

When talking to your friends:

• Try to keep the mood light and friendly.
• Refer to something you may have seen on a popular television network regarding sex.
• Be honest and encourage one another to get tested together.

When talking to your partner:

• Have an idea why you want to discuss STI testing with them.
• Be prepared for questions.
• Honesty is important in all relationships. You may want to start your conversation like this, “I’m not sure how you may feel about STI testing, however I think it’s important for the two of us to consider getting tested.”

For more tips on how to get the S-E-X conversation going and staying calm and relaxed, please visit the websites provided below.

Planned Parenthood offers plenty of information regarding talking about sexual health with parents and teens.

• www.plannedparenthood.org/talk-teen
• www.plannedparenthood.org/parents

Scarleteen, a website that can guide you towards topics for a conversation you may want to carry with your friends, parents, or health care provider.

• www.scareletteen.com

Get Yourself Talking now, it’s never too late chat.

Did you know that by the age 25, an estimated one in two sexually active young adults will contract an STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection)?

Did you know some STI’s show no symptoms?

Wait, one more, did you know those who may be infected may not know it?

It’s scary to think about and even scarier to not to know your status. Getting tested needs to become the norm in today’s society amongst young people. I personally would think the number of STI’s would decrease if some of us took out the time to go get tested.

Some of us out there are not sure where, when or how to get tested or are too scared to go alone. However, I am going to try to simplify those problems by providing some information to help you feel at ease. Just follow these few steps to becoming closer to knowing your status:

1. Locate your local health care provider and call to set up an appointment to be tested. Setting up an appointment for testing will prepare doctors for your visit and they will know what you’re there for.
2. Most health care providers suggest sexually active teens to be tested by the age 18. This is a good time to get tested because you are considered an adult. However, I think it may be a good idea to go earlier just to protect yourself and others. The sooner the better when you want to know if you’re infected with an STI.
3. Testing for STI’s does not come in one form. Testing different STI’s can require different types of testing. This is why it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your health care provider.
4. I’d say, take someone with you. Going with someone can help you relax and put you in good spirits. Ask a parent, friend, or your partner to join you. This way you have more support in taking a huge step towards knowing about your sexual health.

Okay, if I haven’t made your decision easier and you feel like you want or need more information you can check the following websites that I have provided.

MTV’s GYT FAQs page outlines several topics about getting tested.

• http://www.itsyoursexlife.com/gyt/articles/testing-faqs

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide more information regarding STI testing and the importance of being tested.

• http://www.cdcnpin.org/stdawareness/gyt_campaign.htm

If you don’t have a regular health care provider, please visit Planned Parenthoods website to find a local health center near you for testing.

• http://www.plannedparenthood.org/about-us/where-we-work/health-center-directory-23127.htm

Get yourself tested, because you owe it to yourself. It’s better to know than to be left in the dark.

Scarleteen – one of our favorite websites for real info you can count on – is also asking young people to speak up and be heard.

Maybe I’m just being optimistic, but lately I feel like I have been noticing more people who really want to hear and know what young people think. Not who want to assume, presume, project or decide what you think, but who actually want to ask you and hear what you have to say about yourselves for yourselves.

What I’m most interested to hear about is “what teens need to talk about themselves and their realities.”  Hope you’ll help us … and Scarleteen.

What’s important to you?  Let us know!

Where do you go to search for information regarding your health? I feel like I have to become a top investigator when I have a simple question. Coming across a website with false information scares me the most when I am searching for advice. And people should all be careful to get accurate information especially when dealing with their health, let alone their sexual health.

It can be embarrassing when facing the thought that you may be pregnant but are unsure. Maybe you think you’ve contracted an STI. There are also simple questions about where you could seek confidential help that could become a bit awkward if you have to ask someone you know.

I asked a few friends which websites they found most useful and compelling. Some said they’ve never searched online for health related issues, while others told me they simply use Google and go to the first suggested website.

The problem with Google’s suggested sites are some of the websites don’t always provide enough information, can be misleading, or confusing. Well I have taken out some time to gather a few different websites that you can quickly gain access to and know that you can trust what you are reading. There’s no reason not to be in the “know” about your health.

Check out the websites below regarding information ranging from sexual health, pregnancy, and local health centers.

To find a women’s health center near you, you can visit Planned Parenthood’s main site:

www.plannedparenthood.org

STI information:

To find general information regarding STI symptoms, causes, and cures. Visit the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention.

www.cdc.gov/std/general

· Health information for teen girls. Visit Center for Young Women’s Health covering various topics of health related concerns. Interactive website for teenage girls with quizzes and games.

www.youngwomenshealth.org

· The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation website covers information varying from current health reform policies to women’s health and STI statistics.

www.kff.org

Pregnancy:

Features about determining pregnancy, advice for alternatives if you are pregnant, and information on what to do as a young teen.

http://www.teenpregnancy.com/