FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about your sexual health and what to expect at your visit.
STD/STI facts
What are STDs/STIs? (CDC facts)+
STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), also called STIs (infections), are passed from one person to another primarily through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The CDC reports that roughly 1 in 5 people in the U.S. has an STI on any given day, and about half of new infections occur in people ages 15–24. Many STIs have no symptoms, which is why routine testing is so important.
What are the most common signs and symptoms of an STD?+
Many STDs cause no symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they can include:
- Unusual discharge from the vagina, penis, or rectum
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Sores, bumps, or blisters on or near the genitals, anus, or mouth
- Itching, redness, or irritation in the genital area
- Pain during sex or pelvic/abdominal pain
- Unusual vaginal bleeding, including between periods
- Flu-like symptoms — fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, rash
What should I do if I think I've been exposed to an STD?+
Don't wait — early care matters. Take these steps:
- Book an appointment as soon as possible for testing and evaluation.
- Avoid sex (or use condoms consistently) until you've been tested and treated.
- If exposure to HIV may have occurred within the last 72 hours, ask about PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) right away — it must be started quickly to be effective.
- Tell recent partners so they can also be tested and treated.
- Don't share the diagnosis with anyone you don't trust — your visit with us is confidential.
How often should I get tested for STDs?+
CDC screening guidelines depend on age, sex, and risk factors:
- Everyone ages 13–64 should be tested for HIV at least once.
- Sexually active women under 25 should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year, as should older women with new or multiple partners.
- All pregnant people should be tested for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C early in pregnancy.
- Sexually active gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men should be tested at least yearly for syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV — every 3–6 months if at higher risk.
- Anyone with new or multiple partners, or who shares injection equipment, should test more frequently.
Birth control options
What birth control options does the clinic offer?+
We prescribe a range of hormonal birth control methods and will help you choose what fits your body, lifestyle, and goals:
- The Pill — a daily oral tablet; combined (estrogen + progestin) or progestin-only options.
- The Ring — a small flexible ring worn inside the vagina, replaced monthly.
- The Patch — a thin adhesive patch worn on the skin and swapped weekly.
- The Injection — a progestin shot given every 3 months.
How well does birth control work?+
With perfect use, the pill, ring, and patch are over 99% effective. With typical use — accounting for missed pills, late patches, or a ring left out too long — they are about 91–93% effective. The injection is about 96% effective with typical use. None of these methods protect against STDs, so pair them with condoms.
Are there non-contraceptive benefits?+
Yes. Depending on the method, hormonal birth control can help with:
- Lighter, more predictable (or skipped) periods
- Less menstrual cramping and PMS
- Clearer skin / fewer acne breakouts
- Reduced risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers
- Symptom relief for endometriosis and PCOS
How do I get started?+
Book a birth control visit and we'll talk through your health history, preferences, and any side effects you want to avoid. Most prescriptions can be sent to your pharmacy the same day, and the injection can often be given in-clinic at your visit.
Myths vs. facts
Can I get an STD from a toilet seat?+
No. STDs are not spread by toilet seats. The bacteria and viruses that cause STDs cannot survive long on cold, hard surfaces and need direct contact with mucous membranes or bodily fluids to be transmitted.
Can I get an STD from sharing drinks, utensils, or food?+
No. STDs are not spread through saliva on shared cups, straws, or utensils.
Can I get an STD from kissing?+
Most STDs are not spread through casual kissing. However, herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2) and syphilis can spread through deep kissing if a sore or lesion is present.
HIV prevention & PrEP
What is PrEP and how well does it work?+
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a daily medication (or long-acting injection) taken by HIV-negative people to prevent getting HIV. When taken as prescribed, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% and from injection drug use by at least 74%. PrEP does not prevent other STDs or pregnancy — pair it with condoms and regular testing.
What is PEP, and when is it used?+
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is emergency medication taken after a possible HIV exposure. It must be started within 72 hours of exposure and taken daily for 28 days. If you think you've been exposed to HIV, contact us or an emergency room right away — every hour counts.
How else can I prevent HIV?+
- Use condoms correctly every time you have sex.
- Get tested for HIV and other STDs regularly.
- If your partner is living with HIV, help them stay on treatment — Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U).
- Never share needles, syringes, or injection equipment.
- Talk with us about PrEP if you're at ongoing risk.
Condoms & dental dams
How do I use an external (male) condom correctly?+
- Check the expiration date and that the wrapper isn't damaged.
- Open carefully — don't use teeth or scissors.
- Pinch the tip to leave space for semen and remove air.
- Place on the head of the erect penis and roll down all the way to the base.
- Use water- or silicone-based lube — oil-based lubes break latex.
- After ejaculation, hold the base and withdraw while still erect.
- Wrap in tissue and throw away — never reuse or flush.
How do I use an internal (female) condom?+
- Squeeze the inner ring and insert it into the vagina (or anus) like a tampon.
- Push it up until the inner ring rests behind the pubic bone.
- The outer ring stays outside the body, covering the vulva or anus.
- Guide the penis or toy into the condom during sex.
- After sex, twist the outer ring to keep fluids in, gently pull out, and throw away.
How do I use a dental dam?+
A dental dam is a thin square of latex or polyurethane used as a barrier during oral sex on a vulva or anus.
- Check the expiration date and open carefully.
- Unfold the dam and place it flat over the vulva or anus before any oral contact.
- Hold it in place — don't stretch it too tightly.
- Use only one side; don't flip it during use.
- Throw away after one use.
Menstrual periods — did you know?
How long is a "normal" menstrual cycle?+
A typical cycle runs anywhere from 21 to 35 days — not always 28. Bleeding usually lasts 2–7 days. Cycles are often irregular for the first few years after your first period and again in the years leading up to menopause.
Did you know? Some lesser-known period facts+
- The average person loses only about 2–3 tablespoons of blood per period — much less than it looks.
- Period blood isn't just blood — it's a mix of blood, uterine tissue, and cervical mucus.
- You can get pregnant on your period. Sperm can live inside the body for up to 5 days.
- Ovulation happens about 14 days before your next period, not always mid-cycle.
- Stress, travel, illness, big weight changes, and intense exercise can all shift your cycle.
- Severe cramps, very heavy bleeding, or periods that soak through a pad/tampon in under an hour are not just "normal" — they're worth talking to a provider about.
- Skipping periods on hormonal birth control (like continuous pill use) is medically safe.
- PMS symptoms can start up to 1–2 weeks before bleeding begins.
When should I talk to a provider about my period?+
Reach out if you notice:
- Periods shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days apart
- Bleeding longer than 7 days, or very heavy flow
- Missed periods (and pregnancy has been ruled out)
- Severe cramps that interfere with school, work, or sleep
- Bleeding between periods or after sex
Can I get one-on-one education about my cycle?+
Absolutely. Your provider is happy to sit down with you one-on-one to explain how your cycle works, what's normal for you, how to track it, and how different birth control methods can shape or ease your period. No question is too basic — this is exactly what we're here for.
Your visit to the clinic
What should I bring to my appointment?+
Please bring:
- A valid photo ID (driver's license, state ID, school ID, or passport).
- Your insurance card, if you have one.
- A list of current medications and any allergies.
- Questions or concerns you want to discuss.
What can I expect during a visit to A Safe Space?+
A visit to A Safe Space is calm, private, and judgment-free. Typically:
- Check in and complete any remaining intake forms.
- Our team reviews the services you requested and any estimated costs.
- Your provider asks about your health history and sexual health — this helps us give you the right care.
- Depending on your visit, we may collect a q-tip swab, urine sample, and/or blood draw.
- Birth control appointments and procedures require a urine pregnancy test.
- Your provider discusses results, treatment, and next steps.
- Pay with credit/debit, cash, or insurance — whichever works for you.
Are visits to A Safe Space confidential?+
Yes. Your visit is protected by HIPAA. We provide confidential reproductive health care for anyone ages 14 and older.
How do I book an appointment?+
Book online through our secure Elation scheduling page from the Appointments page, or email info@safespacemedical.net and we'll help you get scheduled.
Information on this page is for education only and is drawn from public sources including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is not a substitute for medical advice — please talk with your provider about your individual care.