Sexual Health

Last Updated: February 18, 2025
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Sexual health involves self-care, respect for partners, and protection of vulnerable individuals. All service members are responsible for:  

  • Protecting his or her own sexual health
  • Protecting others by not passing on sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • Preventing unintended pregnancy/paternity

Despite these responsibilities, thousands of U.S. service members are diagnosed annually with at least one STI, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, and syphilis – an estimated 1 of every 5 service members every year.External Link Also, while trends suggest rates have lowered over time,External Link unintended pregnancies continue to place a large burden on the military healthcare system. 

FACT​​S

  • Symptoms may NOT be noticeable! A person can have an STI without having obvious symptoms (a 'carrier'), or symptoms may not occur for days, weeks, or even months after exposure. 
  • There are forms of contraception for both men and women – see the TRICARE Contraception Chart.​External Link ​Every​one has ​a responsibility to avoid unintended pregnancies. Birth control, or contraception, is any method or device used to prevent pregnancy. Some types of contraception work better than others at preventing pregnancy, or protecting against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which includes human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). 
  • Sexual assault can happen to anyone. The DOD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response OfficeExternal Linkprovides resources for both military personnel and TRICARE MHS beneficiaries. Reach out to DOD Safe Helpline for anonymous, one-on-one, 24/7​ support at 877-995-5247 or SafeHelpline.org/live-chat. Learn other DOD initiatives aimed at reducing sexual assault.External Link​ 


Frequ​​ently asked questions

What are Sexually Transmitted Infections (S​TIs)?

Also referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), STIs include people who have been diagnosed with disease as well as those who may appear symptom-free but are 'carriers' of an infection. STIs are very common (an estimated 1 in 5 U.S. adults diagnosed each year), and can be caused by many types of viruses, bacteria, or parasites.

Examples of STIs that are monitored among military personnel include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Other examples of STIs include genital herpes from herpes simplex virus (HSV) and human papilloma virus (HPV). Parasite examples include pubic lice and trichomoniasis. Women often have more serious health problems from STIs than men, including infertility. Click here​External Link to learn the facts about STIs specific to women​. 


What are symptoms of STIs? 

A person can have an STI without having obvious symptoms, or symptoms may not occur for days, weeks, or even months after exposure to the STI.   

​If symptoms develop, they can include one or more of the following: pelvic, vaginal, or penile pain, swelling, burning, discharge or odors, rashes, blisters, or warts, bleeding between periods, and/or painful sex.


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How can STI risk be reduced?

  • ​​Choose partn​ers and activities with STIs in mind
    • Abstain from sexual activity or at least minimize number of partners
    • Avoid risky sexual acts or encounters (i.e., drugs and excessive alcohol use, “hook-ups," unknown partners, offering or receiving money or drugs for sex)
    • Don't share needles or razor blades
    • Ensure tattoo and piercing facilities are safe 
  • ​​Use condoms correctly and every time you have sex (oral, vaginal, or anal). 
  • Get the human papillomavirus (HPV) and Hepatitis B vaccines and ensure partner(s) are vaccinated.  Per CDC guidelines​,External Link everyone up to 26 years of age should get the HPV vaccine. Individuals 27–45 years may benefit from the vaccine but should discuss with their healthcare provider first. 

  • Get tested as often as your healthcare provider suggests and ensure that partners get tested.  Healthcare providers will recommend testing and frequency based on your sexual history and specific concerns. Repeat testing is recommended because:
    • Many STIs can be asymptomatic, so you might not know you're infected. 
    • Early detection helps ensure effective treatment and prevents complications. 
    • Routine testing is often advised to those who are sexually active because test results won't reflect exposures that happen after testing.
  • Schedule regular testing with your primary care provider. If you're not comfortable talking to your regular doctor about STIs, many clinics offer confidential and free or low-cost testing options.
  • Get treated right away if you ​have an STI. Untreated STIs can cause infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pain, nervous system disorders, certain types of cancer, organ failure and potentially death. Untreated STIs can also be dangerous during pregnancy to a mother and her baby. 


For more information

U.S. Military sources​

 

Additional resources for service members and beneficiaries