Sexual Health Resources

Health Services provides information and referrals for care or counseling regarding contraceptives, sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, HIV testing, and other sexual health issues.  Condoms are available in Health Services area

Sexual Health 101:

  • Abstinence is the only 100% way to prevent an unplanned pregnancy and prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections(STIs)
  • If you choose to be sexually active, discuss you and your partner’s sexual health history prior to sexual engagement
  • Use protection consistently and correctly
  • Keep in mind that anytime bodily fluids can be exchanged you are at risk of contracting an STI.
  • Discuss birth control options with your partner

Prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

From Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Sexually active adolescents (10- to 19-year-olds) and young adults (20- to 24-year-olds) are at higher risk for getting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Nearly half of the 19 million new STDs each year are among young people aged 15–24 years. Women bear long term effects, including pelvic inflammatory disease, tubal scarring, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. Young people aged 13-29 accounted for 39% of all new HIV infections in 2009.

Quick Tips

  • If you are a female age 26 or younger, getting checked for HPV can help to prevent cervical cancer.
  • If you are a sexually active female 25 years or younger, get tested every year for chlamydia and other STDs.
  • If you are diagnosed with an STD, notify your sex partners so that they also can be tested and receive treatment if necessary. If your sex partner is diagnosed with an STD, it is important for you to be evaluated, tested, and treated.
  • The most reliable ways to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases,  including HIV, are to abstain from sexual activity, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a uninfected partner.
  • Latex male and female condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of transmission of some sexually transmitted diseases.

Did you know your partner can and should be treated as well?

If you have been diagnosed with an STI, please ask your health care provider about treatment for your partner!  Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) is the clinical practice of treating the sex partners of patients diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhea by providing prescriptions or medications to the patient to take to his/her partner without the health care provider first examining the partner.

Free Services and Local Resources:

LSS – Lutheran Social Services

  • Unplanned Pregnancy and not sure what to do?
    Contact Lutheran Social Services(LSS) Pregnancy Services * 600 Ordean  Building 424 W Superior St, Duluth, MN * (218)529-2252

PAVSA (Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault)

  • Duluth: (218) 726-1442 * 32 E 1st St

Planned Parenthood

  • Duluth: (218) 722-0833 * 1001 E Central Entrance Ste 200
  • 4NOW Program: Free annual exams, testing and treatment of STI’s, Birth Control, emergency contraception and family planning education.

Women’s Health Center

  • Duluth: (218) 727-3352 * 32 E 1st St