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Sex Facts Jeffco
Sex can get complicated, but taking care of your sexual health doesn’t have to be. At Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH), we make it easy to get the best care for you. We offer low-to-no-cost birth control and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment right here in Jeffco. Our services are always confidential, nonjudgmental and available to everyone. And we get it — you don’t want to wait weeks for something important like getting birth control or getting tested for an STI. That’s why we aim to offer same- or next-day appointments whenever possible.
Get the Facts
What you need to know:
- Anyone who is sexually active can get an STI. You don’t even have to “go all the way” (have anal or vaginal sex) to get an STI.
- STIs are common, especially among young people. Young people aged 15-24 get half of all new STIs, and one in four sexually active adolescent females has an STI.
- Women are at greater risk. Young women’s bodies are biologically more prone to getting STIs.
- Sometimes you can have an STI and not even know it. The only way to know for sure if you have one is to get tested.
- If STIs aren’t treated, they can be serious. For example, if left untreated, chlamydia and gonorrhea can make it harder to get pregnant in the future.
- Some STIs, like herpes, aren’t curable, but a healthcare provider can prescribe medicine to manage symptoms and treat the infection. If you have an STI, talk to your healthcare provider.
- If you choose to have sex, you can protect yourself against STIs. You and your partner should get tested before you have sex, only have one sex partner at a time and use protection. JCPH also provides PrEP, a medication that, when taken as directed, significantly reduces the chances of getting HIV.
- Learn more about preventing STIs and how to get tested.
What you need to know:
- In Colorado, 35.9 percent of all pregnancies, and seven in 10 teen pregnancies, are unintended (mistimed, unplanned or unwanted at the time of conception).
- Unintended pregnancies can pose risks to mom and baby’s health. Research shows unintended pregnancies are associated with birth defects, low birth weight, elective abortions, maternal depression, reduced rates of breastfeeding and increased risk of physical violence during pregnancy.
- If you’re having sex but don’t want to get pregnant, you have options. There are many safe and highly effective methods of birth control to prevent unintended pregnancy. At JCPH, we offer pills, IUDs, the arm implant/Nexplanon, Depo Provera (the shot), the Nuva Ring and emergency contraceptive (Plan B, Ella).
- If you’re trying to get pregnant, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about preconception care. By planning ahead, you can make sure your body is ready for childbearing and avoid any behaviors that could be harmful to you or baby.
- You don’t need permission to get sexual health care. In Colorado, teens can access sexual health services, including birth control, without parental or partner permission.
- Lean more about family planning and your options.
Make an Appointment
Call 303-239-7078 to make an appointment with our clinic. Same day and next day appointments are frequently available. Interpretation services are available for clients who speak another language or are hearing impaired. We offer:
- STI testing, treatment, resources and support
- Birth control, including pills, IUDs, arm implant/Nexplanon, Depo Provera (the shot), the Nuva Ring and emergency contraceptive (Plan B, Ella)
- Pregnancy testing
- Free condoms (male and female)
- Women’s health exams
- Treatment for vaginal infections
- HPV vaccinations for cancer prevention (full vaccinations also available)
- PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) — Once a day medication for HIV prevention
- Counseling and support
Our nurses can talk with you about your options, answer any questions you have and help you make the best decision for you.