By MISTR staff
1. SEXUAL HEALTH CARE IS SELF-CARE
First and foremost, it’s important that we recognize that sexual healthcare is one of the most important forms of self-care. When dealing with your personal health, it’s always important to stay on top of things (even if you’re a bottom). Knowing the current state of affairs in your sexual health can greatly reduce any fears or hang ups you may have surrounding STI testing. While many associate self-care with anxiety reducing activities like a bubble bath or a hot cup of tea, sexual healthcare self-care practices can include:
· using condoms to lower your risk for STI exposure
· taking free PrEP from Mistr in the form of Truvada or Descovy to lower your risk of HIV exposure
· maintaining a regular testing schedule with Mistr’s free at home STI testing
· staying informed about STIs and available treatments
(All of which can help you approach getting tested more confidently.)
2. TESTING IS AVAILABLE FROM HOME.
Make waiting room anxiety a thing of the past with Mistr’s free HIV and STI home testing! We understand that the existing process of getting tested for HIV and other STIs at a clinic isn’t ideal for everyone, which is why we’ve simplified the process with home testing kits to ensure your comfort and privacy. We’ll even mail you your free PrEP at no cost to you. So whether your hang up about STI testing is daunting clinic visits or you simply can’t find the time in your busy social schedule, Mistr makes it easy for you to manage your sexual health. (Not to mention, there’s no needles!)
3. THE SOONER YOU KNOW, THE SOONER YOU CAN GET BACK IN THE SACK
At Mistr, sex positivity means standing up in favor of consensual sexual activities, open dialogue about sex, and education on sexual health that helps you make informed decisions about your personal health. In order to make informed decisions for yourself and your partners, you must be informed on your current HIV and STI status. Our regularly scheduled HIV and STI testing program ensures that you’re always in the know about your sexual health. The sooner we diagnose any potential STIs, the sooner we can provide you with the resources necessary to safely get you back in the sack for worry free fun.
4. STAY POSITIVE IF YOU TEST POSITIVE
For decades many viewed a positive HIV test result as the end of life as they know it. Today this is simply not the case thanks to available life-saving antiretroviral drugs that make it possible for individuals with HIV to live long healthy lives. While MISTR specializes in the distribution of free PrEP, a preventative HIV medication available as Truvada or Descovy, we also provide resources to anyone who may test positive for HIV or other STIs. As part of our patient program, a licensed physician or patient care coordinator will be there with you every step of
the way to provide treatment options, referrals to specialized doctors and local free treatment resources if necessary. You’re not alone, we’ve got your back!
5. ENDING THE STIGMA STARTS WITH YOU
As part of leading a sex positive life, we must actively seek to end the stigma surrounding HIV and STIs. Afterall, this stigma is largely responsible for keeping many at risk individuals from getting tested and seeking life-saving treatment. When we destigmatize HIV, we let people know that the fear of a potentially positive test result is no reason to be afraid to get tested. Doing your part to destigmatize HIV and STIs can lead to more testing and can save lives.
