I will admit I’ve previously been lax about asking all of my testing-related questions when I’m considering a new sexual partner, but I’ve since been able to strengthen my confidence in having the preliminary conversation! My security in sexual health topics comes from a variety of sources, most found online. Since I was not taught any of this and learned only after I started having sex, I wanted to save y’all the trouble I went through to being the seductive safety siren I am today!

Following is a list of the free testing sites in Atlanta, questions to ask a potential sexual partner, and further resources to peruse surrounding sexual health. Thanks for reading and get remember to get tested, Atlanta! 🫶🏾 I encourage you to comment any other resources you think it’d be helpful for others to know!

After having too many people in my messages saying they haven’t or never been tested since having new partners or in multiple years, if not ever, I knew I had to take the time to compile this information. Not having at least annual results is unacceptable when there are so many places here that will test you for STIs without cost. I know part of it is that people don’t know where to go, so here’s a few locations with free testing services to contact!

Georgia Harm Reduction Coalition (Multiple locations) https://georgiaharmreduction.org/programs-services/

AID Atlanta https://www.aidatlanta.org/testing/

Positive Impact Health Centers https://www.positiveimpacthealthcenters.org/prevention-your-way/

Call and confirm hours/availability prior to leaving to save time and energy! Bring a friend! Take charge of your health and continue to keep a negative status! Sexual health is both a personal and public issue, and by staying on top of your statuses you can protect yourself and other sexually active individuals in your community. Your local county’s health department may also test for free or low cost, contact them to find out if that’s a more convenient option.

So! you’ve been tested and have received (negative! 😉) results, what’s next? Ideally, you are asking potential partners questions about their status, testing frequency, and overall tendencies. One easy way to cover all of these succinctly is through the 5 P’s: Partners, Practices, Protection from STIs, Past history of STIs, and Pregnancy intention. Th are non-exhaustive, but will cover the topics most important to an encounter.

Further resources about STIs can be found below! Thanks for reading.

The Basics https://www.cdc.gov/std/prevention/lowdown/lowdown-text-only.htm

How To Assess Your Risk https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/clinical-risk.htm

What STI Tests to Get https://www.cdc.gov/std/prevention/screeningreccs.htm

Specific Screening Recommendations https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/screening-recommendations.htm