This Valentine's Day Spread Love — Not Sexually Transmitted Infections
Protect Yourself and Those You Love By Getting Tested and Using Protection
February 13, 2025 — What’s the best Valentine’s Day gift you can give someone you care about? Sexual health! The New York City Health Department reminds you there are a variety of affordable and no-cost ways to protect yourself and those you love from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or unplanned pregnancy.
“Undiagnosed and untreated STIs can cause serious health problems for New Yorkers. Enjoy your Valentine’s Day free from worry about risk of STIs, with a little help from the Health Department,” said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. “We’re working hard to make it easier for you to protect your sexual health by getting tested and practicing safer sex. These resources are available to all New Yorkers to prevent health problems linked to STIs while empowering people to protect themselves and their partners.”
STIs are passed from person to person through sex, including oral, anal, or vaginal sex and, in some cases, through skin-to-skin contact. STIs are sometimes called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
STIs reported to the Health Department steadily increased overall compared with 2022, according to the NYC Health Department’s 2023 Sexually Transmitted Infections Surveillance Report (PDF). The data emphasize the need for New Yorkers to regularly get tested and use prevention methods.
How You Can Prevent STIs
Use a new condom, dental dam, or nitrile or latex glove with water-based or silicone-based lubricant every time you have sex. This is one of the best ways to prevent many STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV. It’s no coincidence that Valentine’s Day is also National Condom Awareness Day!
Find free safer sex products throughout the city by searching the NYC Health Map. Health Department representatives will also be offering free safer sex materials at the following locations on February 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.:
- Staten Island
- Project Hospitality
503 Carey Avenue, Staten Island - Queens
- Jamaica Sexual Health Clinic
90-37 Parson Blvd, Queens - Manhattan
- Chelsea Sexual Health Clinic
303 9th Ave, Manhattan - Bronx
- Morrisania Sexual Health Clinic
1309 Fulton Ave, Bronx - Brooklyn
- Fort Greene Sexual Health Clinic
295 Flatbush Extension, Brooklyn
Get vaccinated. Some STIs can be prevented with a vaccine, including HPV (human papillomavirus, which can cause cancer and genital or anal warts), hepatitis A and B (viruses that can cause liver cancer), and mpox. Find out where to get these vaccinations at NYC Sexual Health Clinics and Immunization Clinics.
Get tested regularly. Many people with an STI have no signs or symptoms. You can feel healthy and not know that you have an STI. The only way to know is to get tested.
Take Doxy PEP (doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis) after sex to prevent STIs including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. It is recommended for cisgender men who have sex with men and transgender women.
To prevent HIV, get PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) as a daily pill or injection every 2 months. Men who have sex with men can take PrEP on demand, before and after anal sex.
If you are exposed to HIV, take emergency PEP within 72 hours, which can stop infection after exposure. To start emergency PEP, call 844-3-PEPNYC (844-373-7692) or visit a clinic, emergency room, or NYC Sexual Health Clinic and ask for PEP to prevent HIV.
Where to Get STI Testing, Treatment, and Prevention
The NYC Sexual Health Clinic Hotline is available at 347-396-7959, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To find sexual and reproductive health providers near you, visit the NYC Health Map.
Anyone 12 years and older can receive services, regardless of immigration status. Parental consent is not necessary.
The Chelsea and Fort Greene Express Clinics offer appointments for testing for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis for people who have no symptoms of an STI. HIV test results are provided onsite, and chlamydia and gonorrhea test results are usually available within hours.
###
#003-25
MEDIA CONTACT: PressOffice@health.nyc.gov