Prevent
Protection & safer choices
No Judgment. Just Truth.
Knowledge Is Power. Own Yours.
Prevention tips, screening guidance, myth-busting facts, treatment pathways, family planning methods, and common reproductive conditions in one place.
Screen
Signs, tests, and timing
Plan
Care paths and options
Knowledge Focus
Tap to view prevention, screenings, myths, and treatment pathways.
Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections
Prevention lowers risk before exposure happens. Use these methods together for stronger protection.
Condoms and barriers
Use condoms (external or internal) and dental dams correctly every time for vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
How to use (external condom): check expiry, open carefully, pinch the tip, roll on before any genital contact, use water- or silicone-based lube, hold the base while withdrawing, then tie/wrap and bin it.
How to use (internal condom): insert before sex, keep the outer ring outside, guide penetration into the condom, twist outer ring and remove after sex, then bin it.
Effectiveness for pregnancy prevention: external condoms are about 98% with perfect use and about 87% with typical use; internal condoms are about 95% with perfect use and about 79% with typical use.
Protection against sexually transmitted infections: condoms and dental dams significantly reduce sexually transmitted infections and HIV risk, but no method is 100% effective. Consistent and correct use matters most.
Avoid mistakes: do not use two condoms at once, avoid oil-based lubricants with latex condoms, and use a new condom for every sex act.
Routine testing
Test on a regular schedule and after new partners. Many sexually transmitted infections have no symptoms.
Vaccination
Stay up to date on HPV and Hepatitis B vaccines to prevent vaccine-preventable sexually transmitted infections.
Partner communication
Discuss sexually transmitted infections status, recent tests, and protection plans before sex. Consider mutual testing before going barrier-free.
HIV Prevention: PrEP and PEP
PrEP (before exposure): For people with ongoing HIV risk. When taken as prescribed, it is highly effective. Talk with a clinician about daily oral or long-acting injectable options.
PEP (after possible exposure): Emergency HIV prevention. Start as soon as possible and within 72 hours (3 days). PEP is usually taken for about 28 days.
If exposure might have happened today, go to urgent care or an emergency department immediately and ask for HIV PEP.
Sexually Transmitted Infections Screenings
Explore routine testing timelines, what each test means, and how to prepare with confidence.
Tap any infection name to view key signs and symptoms.
Chlamydia
Often no symptoms.
Possible signs: burning urination, abnormal vaginal/penile discharge, pelvic pain, pain during sex, bleeding after sex, rectal pain/discharge/bleeding, testicular pain.
Untreated infection can cause PID, infertility risk, and ectopic pregnancy risk.
Gonorrhea
Often no symptoms, especially in cervix/throat infections.
Possible signs: painful urination, yellow/green discharge, pelvic pain, bleeding between periods, rectal symptoms, sore throat, testicular pain/swelling.
Complications can include PID, infertility, and disseminated infection (fever, rash, joint pain).
Syphilis
Stage-based illness with changing signs over time.
Primary: single or multiple painless sores (chancres). Secondary: body rash (often palms/soles), fever, sore throat, swollen nodes, patchy hair loss, mucous lesions.
Latent stage may be silent; late disease can affect brain, nerves, eyes, heart, and hearing.
Trichomoniasis
Many people have no symptoms.
Possible signs: frothy/yellow-green or malodorous vaginal discharge, vulvar irritation/itching, painful urination, pain with sex.
In men: urethral irritation/discharge may occur but is often asymptomatic.
Genital Herpes (HSV-1 / HSV-2)
Can be asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic.
Typical signs: painful grouped blisters/ulcers on genitals/anus, burning/tingling before outbreaks, painful urination, tender groin nodes, flu-like symptoms in first episode.
Recurrences are common and can vary in severity.
HPV / Genital Warts
Most HPV infections cause no immediate symptoms and clear spontaneously.
Low-risk types can cause soft bumps/warts on genitals, anus, cervix, or surrounding skin.
High-risk types can cause cell changes leading to cervical/anogenital/oropharyngeal cancers; regular screening is essential.
HIV
Early infection may feel like flu: fever, rash, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue.
Chronic stage can be symptom-light for years while immune damage progresses.
Advanced disease can cause weight loss, persistent fever, recurrent infections, oral thrush, and severe fatigue.
Hepatitis B (sexually transmissible)
Many acute infections are asymptomatic.
Possible signs: fatigue, nausea, vomiting, right upper abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stools, jaundice.
Chronic infection can silently injure the liver and lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer.
These summaries are educational. Many sexually transmitted infections are asymptomatic, so regular testing matters even when you feel well.
Seek urgent care for severe pelvic pain, fever, new neurologic or eye symptoms, pregnancy with sexually transmitted infections symptoms, or heavy bleeding.
Treatment Protocols
Understand first-line treatment options, follow-up milestones, and red flags requiring urgent care.
- Bacterial infections: guideline-based antibiotic pathways
- Viral management: suppression and recurrence tracking
- Partner care: notification and prevention support
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Care Path
Usually treated with prescription antibiotics chosen by a clinician.
Take all medicine exactly as directed and avoid sex until treatment is completed and symptoms settle.
Your recent partner(s) should be tested/treated to prevent passing infection back and forth.
A repeat test is often recommended after treatment to confirm no reinfection.
Syphilis Care Path
Treatment depends on the stage of infection and may require one or more clinic visits.
Blood tests are repeated over time to make sure treatment worked.
Urgent specialist care is needed if there are eye, ear, neurologic, or pregnancy-related concerns.
Trichomoniasis Care Path
Treated with prescription anti-parasitic medicine.
Both you and your partner(s) need treatment to avoid reinfection.
Follow-up testing may be advised, especially if symptoms return.
Genital Herpes Care Path
There is no cure yet, but antiviral treatment helps shorten outbreaks and reduce recurrence.
Some patients use daily suppression therapy if outbreaks are frequent.
Condoms and avoiding sex during active sores reduce transmission risk.
HPV / Genital Warts Care Path
Visible warts can be treated in clinic or with prescribed topical options.
Warts may come back, so follow-up can be needed.
HPV vaccination and regular cervical screening are key prevention tools.
HIV Care Path
Modern HIV treatment is highly effective and should start as early as possible after diagnosis.
Routine follow-up tracks viral suppression and overall health.
Partner testing and prevention support (including PrEP/PEP counseling) are part of care.
Hepatitis B Care Path
Acute illness is often supportive care; chronic infection may need long-term liver follow-up.
Vaccination protects people who are not immune.
Partners and household contacts should be tested and vaccinated where needed.
This section is patient education, not a prescription guide. For severe pain, fever, pregnancy concerns, eye symptoms, or neurologic symptoms, seek urgent medical care.
Sexually Transmitted Infections Myth Busters ✨
Quick truth drops. Tap a myth, spill the facts. 🧠💬
Protect
Verify
Talk Openly
🕵️ Myth: "I would know if I had sexually transmitted infections."
Fact: Many sexually transmitted infections cause no symptoms for weeks, months, or longer. Testing is the only reliable way to know.
🎯 Myth: "Only people with many partners get sexually transmitted infections."
Fact: Anyone sexually active can get sexually transmitted infections. Risk is about exposure, not character.
👀 Myth: "If my partner looks healthy, we're safe."
Fact: Sexually transmitted infections are often invisible. Shared testing and protection plans are smarter than guessing.
🎭 Myth: "Condoms ruin the mood."
Fact: The right size, good lube, and confidence can make condoms feel better while protecting your future self.
💊 Myth: "Birth control pills protect from sexually transmitted infections."
Fact: Pills prevent pregnancy, not sexually transmitted infections. Add condoms/dental dams for infection protection.
🗣️ Myth: "Oral sex has zero sexually transmitted infections risk."
Fact: Oral sex can still spread infections. Barriers and regular testing lower risk.
🚽 Myth: "You can catch sexually transmitted infections from toilet seats."
Fact: Sexually transmitted infections are mainly spread through sexual contact or specific blood/body-fluid exposure, not casual toilet seat contact.
1️⃣ Myth: "If we only do it once, there is no risk."
Fact: A single unprotected encounter can transmit sexually transmitted infections. One time is enough for exposure.
🧪 Myth: "Two condoms are safer than one."
Fact: Double layering can create friction and increase breakage risk. Use one correctly with compatible lubricant.
↩️ Myth: "Pulling out protects from sexually transmitted infections."
Fact: Withdrawal does not prevent transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Barrier protection is still needed.
💞 Myth: "You cannot get sexually transmitted infections in a long-term relationship."
Fact: Risk depends on testing status and exposures, not relationship length. Shared testing keeps both partners informed.
🧩 Myth: "Sexually transmitted infections always mean someone cheated."
Fact: Some infections can remain asymptomatic for a long time. A diagnosis does not automatically reveal when transmission happened.
📉 Myth: "If my test was negative once, I never need testing again."
Fact: Testing is ongoing care. New partners or exposures mean new testing timelines.
🛡️ Myth: "PrEP protects against all sexually transmitted infections."
Fact: PrEP protects against HIV, not all sexually transmitted infections. Combine PrEP with condoms and regular screening.
🤫 Myth: "No symptoms means no infection."
Fact: Many sexually transmitted infections are silent. Routine screening is key even when you feel completely fine.
Care Focus
Tap to compare options by how they work, expected side effects, and what fits your lifestyle.
Family Planning Methods
Tap each method to see how it works and common side effects. Choice depends on your goals, health history, and preferences.
External and Internal Condoms
How it works: Barrier method that blocks sperm from entering the vagina.
Expected side effects/issues: Usually few side effects; possible latex irritation/allergy, breakage/slippage if used incorrectly.
Key benefit: Also helps reduce risk of sexually transmitted infections.
Combined Pill / Patch / Vaginal Ring
How it works: Hormones stop ovulation and thicken cervical mucus.
Expected side effects: Nausea, spotting, breast tenderness, mild headaches, mood changes (often improve after a few months).
Key note: Can make periods lighter and less painful for many users.
Progestin-Only Pill
How it works: Mainly thickens cervical mucus and may suppress ovulation.
Expected side effects: Irregular bleeding/spotting, breast tenderness, acne, mood shifts.
Key note: Timing consistency matters more than with many other methods.
Injection (Birth Control Shot)
How it works: Progestin suppresses ovulation and thickens cervical mucus.
Expected side effects: Irregular bleeding at first, possible weight change, mood changes, delayed return to fertility after stopping.
Key note: Needs repeat clinic timing to stay effective.
Implant (Arm Rod)
How it works: Continuously releases progestin to prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus.
Expected side effects: Irregular bleeding pattern, headaches, acne, breast tenderness, mood changes.
Key note: Very effective and long-acting, with quick return of fertility after removal for many users.
Hormonal IUD
How it works: Local progestin thickens cervical mucus and thins the uterine lining; may suppress ovulation in some users.
Expected side effects: Cramping/spotting after insertion, irregular bleeding early, lighter periods over time, occasional acne/headache.
Key note: Long-acting and reversible.
Copper IUD (Non-hormonal)
How it works: Copper creates an environment that impairs sperm movement and fertilization.
Expected side effects: Heavier/longer periods and more cramps, especially in the first months.
Key note: Hormone-free and long-acting.
Diaphragm / Cervical Cap / Sponge
How it works: Barrier devices cover the cervix to reduce sperm entry (often used with spermicide depending on method).
Expected side effects/issues: Vaginal irritation, discomfort with fit/use, possible UTI risk in some users.
Key note: Works best with correct timing and placement each time.
Fertility Awareness Methods
How it works: Tracks cycle signs (dates, temperature, cervical mucus) to identify fertile days and avoid unprotected sex on those days.
Expected side effects: No medication side effects.
Key note: Requires daily tracking and consistent behavior; less forgiving with irregular schedules/cycles.
Withdrawal (Pull-Out Method)
How it works: Penis is withdrawn before ejaculation to reduce sperm exposure.
Expected side effects: No medication side effects.
Key note: Less reliable than most modern methods and does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Emergency Contraception
How it works: Used after unprotected sex or method failure to reduce pregnancy risk.
Expected side effects: Nausea, fatigue, temporary cycle timing changes, spotting.
Key note: Works best as soon as possible; not for regular ongoing contraception.
Permanent Methods (Tubal Ligation, Vasectomy)
How it works: Procedures permanently block sperm and egg from meeting.
Expected side effects/issues: Procedure-related discomfort, swelling, bruising; small risk of surgical complications.
Key note: Intended to be permanent; counseling is important before choosing.
Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)
How it works: Exclusive breastfeeding can suppress ovulation for a limited postpartum period.
Expected side effects: No contraceptive drug side effects.
Key note: Only reliable under specific criteria and for a limited time postpartum.
Family planning is personal. A clinician can help match your health profile, timeline, and side-effect preferences to the safest method for you.
Most methods do not protect against sexually transmitted infections, so combine with condoms when protection against sexually transmitted infections is needed.
Condition Focus
Tap to explore common signs and how to approach care.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
How it may manifest: Irregular periods, acne, increased facial/body hair, scalp hair thinning, weight changes, and ovulation-related fertility challenges.
Patient approach: Track cycles/symptoms, discuss hormone and metabolic screening, and build a personalized plan for cycle control, skin/hair symptoms, and fertility goals.
Endometriosis
How it may manifest: Severe period pain, pain during sex, bowel/bladder pain around periods, fatigue, and possible fertility difficulties.
Patient approach: Keep a pain diary, seek gynecology review early, discuss pain control and hormonal options, and ask about imaging or specialist referral if pain is persistent.
Uterine Fibroids
How it may manifest: Heavy or prolonged bleeding, pelvic pressure, frequent urination, constipation, and sometimes fertility/pregnancy concerns.
Patient approach: Track bleeding volume, check for anemia symptoms (fatigue, dizziness), and review medical/procedural treatment options based on symptoms and pregnancy plans.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
How it may manifest: Lower abdominal pain, fever, unusual discharge, pain during sex, and irregular bleeding.
Patient approach: Seek urgent same-day care because early treatment reduces risk of infertility and chronic pelvic pain. Partner evaluation is also important.
Adenomyosis
How it may manifest: Heavy painful periods, pelvic pressure, and an enlarged tender uterus in some patients.
Patient approach: Discuss pain/bleeding control options and anemia prevention; escalate to specialist care if quality of life is affected.
Ovarian Cysts
How it may manifest: Many are silent; others cause one-sided pelvic pain, bloating, or sudden severe pain if rupture/torsion occurs.
Patient approach: Mild symptoms can be monitored with follow-up imaging, but sudden severe pain, vomiting, or faintness needs emergency assessment.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and PMDD
How it may manifest: Cyclic mood changes, irritability, bloating, breast tenderness, sleep changes, and concentration difficulty before periods.
Patient approach: Track symptoms for at least 2 cycles, optimize sleep/exercise/nutrition, and discuss targeted treatment if mood or function is significantly affected.
Vaginal Infections (Yeast Infection / Bacterial Vaginosis)
How it may manifest: Itching, discharge changes, odor, irritation, or burning.
Patient approach: Get the right diagnosis before repeated self-treatment; recurrent symptoms need clinician review to confirm cause and prevent recurrence.
Seek urgent care for severe one-sided pelvic pain, fever, fainting, very heavy bleeding, persistent vomiting, or suspected pregnancy complications.