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You can have a healthy, safe and fulfilling sex life. In New York City, care is available for people of all gender identities and sexual orientations, regardless of immigration status.
People who are sexually active should use condoms and get tested regularly to prevent transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If left untreated, STIs can damage your body and spread to others.
Taking the medication doxycycline after sex can prevent STIs, including syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia. Taking doxycycline to prevent STIs is called Doxy-PEP (doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis). Doxy-PEP works best within 24 hours of sex.
Some STIs, such as syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia, can be treated and cured. Other STIs, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and mpox, can be prevented with a vaccine.
Getting vaccinated for mpox can reduce your chance of getting mpox — and vaccination can reduce symptoms if you do get it. Two doses of the vaccine are needed for the best protection.
Get tested regularly for HIV to protect yourself and your sex partners. Options for preventing HIV include using condoms, taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), or taking post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in an emergency.
If you have HIV, treatment medicines can help you live a long and healthy life and prevent passing HIV to others.
People who do not want to become pregnant can learn more about condoms and other birth control.
Abortion is safe and legal in New York State. You can find an abortion provider and other supportive resources by calling the Abortion Access Hub from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 877-NYC-HUB (877-692-2482).
People who are trying to have a baby or parenting an infant can learn more about breastfeeding and doula care. If you are pregnant or have recently given birth, the following programs can provide support and guidance for eligible New Yorkers:
In New York state, minors have the right to consent to their own sexual and reproductive health care, without a parent or guardian having to know about it. Learn more about how teens in NYC navigate sexual consent communication and other sexual health topics:
People who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or intersex (LGBTQ+) may have unique health care needs. NYC provides support for LGBTQ+ health, including health resources for: