Becoming intimate with someone new is filled with uncertainty, and if you’re one of the many people living with a sexually transmitted infection, anxiety over sharing your status may leave you feeling even more vulnerable and exposed. Here, Dr. Tiff shares her “I CARES” framework for disclosing an STI in a way that is comfortable and mutually empowering.

While most sexually active people will get at least one sexually transmitted infection in their lifetime, there are many effective ways to protect yourself. In this article, Dr. Tiff shares 5 evidence-based steps you can take to avoid getting an STI.