American Sexual Health Association

WHO WE ARE

For 100 years ASHA has been talking to you about sexually transmitted diseases/infections (STD/STIs). We’ve helped millions learn how to protect themselves, talk to their partners and parents, know what to do if they have an STD/STI, and much more.

Today, ASHA remains a trusted source of reliable information not only on STDs/STIs, but overall sexual health as well. Among our major programs are the National Cervical Cancer Coalition, a grassroots program dedicated to serving women with, or at risk for, cervical cancer and HPV disease, and the Herpes Resource Center, established in 1979 with a goal of increasing education, public awareness, and support to anyone concerned about herpes.

Our most basic advice is:

• Abstinence is good and can happen at different times in life
• Talk to your parents, they were your age once
• Talk to your partner (before you have sex)
• Make sure you and your partner know how to use a condom correctly
• Find a good healthcare provider and talk to them
• Get help if you don’t think you’re in a healthy relationship
• Get yourself tested and make sure your partner gets tested (before you have sex)
• Take advantage of the vaccines that will help protect you
• Learn what you need to know--and keep learning

Your sexual health is important–-you have a right and a responsibility to protect it!