Get clear, judgment-free answers
Sexual health doesn’t have to be confusing.
Here are straight-up answers to the questions people ask most about HIV, HPV, Hep C, testing,
vaccines, PrEP, U=U, costs, and privacy. No shame. Just facts.
No shame. Just facts.
HIV
- HIV is spread through specific body fluids: blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, vaginal fluid, rectal fluid, and breast milk. It isn’t spread by casual contact like hugging, sharing utensils, or using the same toilet.
- Protect yourself: use condoms consistently, consider PrEP, and get tested regularly if you’re sexually active.
- Some people get flu-like symptoms 2–4 weeks after exposure: fever, fatigue, chills, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, rash, mouth ulcers, or muscle aches. Many people have no symptoms at all.
- The only way to know is to get tested.
- Stage 1: Acute infection (early, often flu-like symptoms)
- Stage 2: Chronic infection (often no symptoms, but HIV is active)
- Stage 3: AIDS (severe immune damage without treatment)
- With treatment, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives.
- U=U stands for Undetectable = Untransmittable. When treatment lowers the amount of HIV in your blood so much that tests can’t detect it, you won’t pass HIV to your partners through sex.
- Staying on meds and in regular care helps keep you undetectable.
- If you’re sexually active, at least once a year. If you have new or multiple partners, share needles, or are unsure of a partner’s status, consider testing every 3–6 months.
HPV
- HPV is a very common virus—most people get it at some point. The HPV vaccine helps protect against the types that cause most cancers and genital warts.
- It’s recommended for everyone, ideally starting at ages 11–12, and available up to age 45.
- Most HPV infections have no symptoms and go away on their own. When symptoms do happen, they can include genital warts or cell changes that show up on a Pap test.
- Routine HPV testing is available for people with a cervix (often alongside Pap tests). There’s no FDA-approved HPV test for those without a cervix—if you notice warts or unusual growths, get checked by a provider.
- Yes. Condoms and dental dams reduce the risk of transmission, but they don’t cover all skin. The vaccine is your strongest protection.
HPV
Heptitis C
(Hep C)
- Hep C spreads through blood. The highest risk is sharing needles or syringes. It can also spread by sharing items that may have tiny amounts of blood (razors, nail clippers), or through unlicensed tattooing/piercing. Sexual transmission can happen, especially if blood is present.
- Many people don’t feel sick at first. Possible symptoms include tiredness, nausea, belly pain, yellowing of skin/eyes (jaundice), and dark urine. The only way to know for sure is to get tested.
- Yes. Most people are cured with medication—usually a once-daily pill for 8–12 weeks—with few side effects.
- Anyone who has ever injected drugs (even once), had a blood transfusion before 1992, shared personal items that may have blood, or has liver-related symptoms. If you’re unsure—get tested.
Testing and Vaccines
- Right here in Delaware County. Many clinics offer free or low-cost options and keep your visit private and confidential.
- HIV tests can be a fingerstick, blood draw, or oral swab. Hep C testing starts with a quick blood test. STI testing depends on the infection and may include urine tests, swabs, or a blood test. A provider will explain each step.
- Many local clinics and pharmacies offer it. If you’re within the recommended age range, you can get vaccinated—no referral needed at many locations.
Testing and Vaccines
PrEP and
PEP
- PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a medication that helps prevent HIV if you’re exposed through sex. It doesn’t prevent other STIs. Taken consistently, it’s highly effective.
- Make an appointment with a provider who offers PrEP. You’ll get baseline labs and support to find the most convenient option for you (daily pill or long-acting injections where available).
- PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is medication you start within 72 hours after a possible exposure to HIV. It’s for emergencies—start as soon as possible.
Costs and Privacy
- Yes. Clinics in Delaware County respect your privacy and keep your information confidential. You can ask about privacy options before your visit.
- Many services are low or no cost. There are programs that help cover testing, vaccines, and PrEP. Clinics can help you navigate your options.
- Find Testing Locations: Visit Prevention & Testing or Find Care for locations.
- Find PrEP Providers: Find a local provider who can help you get started.
- Have more questions? Reach out to a clinic you trust—they’re here to help, without judgment.
Costs and Privacy
Ready to take the next step?
Prevention & Testing
Learn about prevention options and where to get tested.
Find Testing Locations
Visit Find Care for testing locations near you.
Find PrEP Providers
Find a local provider who can help you get started.
Resources
Reach out to a clinic you trust —they’re here to help, without judgment.
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