I got drunk one night and had sex with a guy I didn't know. I want to know if he's clean or not but I'm too shy and embarrassed to ask. What do I do?
– AB*
Start by going to a doctor’s office or health clinic to get tested for STDs and pregnancy (if you are female). You will also need to go back to be retested for HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) again in 3 months, because it can take a while for that infection to show up in tests.
Asking someone about STDs can be helpful but people with STDs often don’t have symptoms. They may not even know they're infected. So, it’s very important that you get tested.
Alcohol and drugs make it harder to make good decisions about things like condom use and sexual partners. And they can get you into situations that aren’t safe. Be sure you're with a friend or a friend knows where you are when you go out. Choose friends that help you make safe decisions.
And always carry a condom with you in your purse or wallet. You're more likely to use a condom if you have it with you. Using a latex condom every time you have sex (vaginal, oral, or anal) can lower your chances of getting an STD.
*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.
Reviewed by: Amy W. Anzilotti, MD
Date Reviewed: Feb 15, 2022
