Safety & Health
Your safety and well-being are important to us. Below you will find resources on sexual health, HIV/STI prevention, testing, and how to protect yourself and others in our community.
HIV Prevention
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) weakens the immune system over time if left untreated. The good news is that HIV is preventable, treatable, and people living with HIV who maintain an undetectable viral load cannot sexually transmit the virus (U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable).
How to reduce your risk
- Use condoms consistently and correctly during anal and vaginal sex
- Consider PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) if you are HIV-negative
- Get tested regularly and know your status
- Talk openly with partners about testing, status, and prevention methods
- If you are living with HIV, stay on treatment and maintain an undetectable viral load
PrEP Options
PrEP is a medication taken by HIV-negative individuals to prevent HIV infection. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective (up to 99%) at preventing HIV from sex.
Truvada
A daily oral pill (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate). One of the original FDA-approved PrEP medications. Also available as a generic.
Descovy
A daily oral pill (emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide). Approved for individuals at risk through sex, excluding those assigned female at birth who have receptive vaginal sex.
Apretude
An injectable PrEP option (cabotegravir) given every two months. Ideal for those who prefer not to take a daily pill. Administered by a healthcare provider.
Talk to your doctor or a sexual health clinic about which PrEP option is right for you. Many insurance plans cover PrEP with no out-of-pocket cost, and assistance programs exist for those without insurance.
Mpox (Monkeypox)
Mpox spreads through close skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact. It can cause painful rashes, sores, or blisters. While it is rarely fatal, it can be extremely uncomfortable and may require weeks to heal.
Protect yourself
- Get vaccinated (JYNNEOS vaccine) if eligible, especially before travel or large events
- Avoid skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has an unexplained rash or sores
- Be aware of symptoms: fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, or fluid-filled bumps
- If you develop symptoms, isolate and contact your healthcare provider immediately
- Wash hands, bedding, and towels frequently during recovery
STI Prevention
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and herpes are common and often have no symptoms. Regular screening is the best way to catch and treat infections early.
Prevention tips
- Use condoms and dental dams to reduce transmission risk
- Get screened for STIs every 3 to 6 months if sexually active with multiple partners
- Communicate openly with partners about recent testing and results
- Treat any diagnosed infections promptly and notify recent partners
- Consider the DoxyPEP option (doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis) for bacterial STI prevention
Get Tested
The CDC recommends that all sexually active gay and bisexual men get tested for HIV at least once a year, and every 3 to 6 months if you have multiple partners. Many tests are free or low-cost, and at-home self-test kits are available.
Types of HIV tests
- Antibody test: Results in 20-30 minutes (rapid/self-test). Window period: 23-90 days.
- Antigen/antibody test: Lab blood draw. Window period: 18-45 days.
- Nucleic acid test (NAT): Detects the virus directly. Window period: 10-33 days.
Dating & Meetup Safety
Connecting with new people is exciting, but your safety always comes first. Whether it is a first date or a casual meetup, these habits can help you stay in control.
Before you meet
- Look for verified profiles with multiple photos and genuine bio details. A single photo and no information can be a red flag.
- Re-read their profile and your conversation. Make sure the person feels real and consistent before agreeing to meet.
- Keep conversations on ncountr. Be cautious if someone pushes to move to another app early on.
- If you have any doubts, take your time. There is no rush to meet in person.
When you meet
- Tell a trusted friend where you are going, who you are meeting, and when you expect to be back.
- Share your live location with someone you trust for the duration of the date.
- Choose a public place for the first meeting, and arrange your own transportation.
- Keep your phone charged. Bring a portable charger if needed so you are never without a way to contact someone.
- Avoid putting yourself in a vulnerable position with someone you do not yet know or trust.
Trust yourself
- If something feels off, leave. You never owe anyone your time or presence.
- Watch for pressure to meet too quickly, requests for money, or stories that do not add up.
- Do not share your home address, financial details, or workplace until you have built real trust.
- Report any suspicious, threatening, or offensive behavior immediately. Your report helps keep the entire community safe.
Community Safety
Meeting new people should feel safe. Here are some tips to protect yourself when connecting with others on ncountr.
- Meet in public places for the first time
- Let a trusted friend know where you are going and who you are meeting
- Trust your instincts. If something feels off, leave
- Never share financial information or send money to someone you have not met
- Use the Block and Report features if anyone makes you feel unsafe
- Verify profiles when possible and look for the verified badge
Emergency Resources
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call or text 988
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
The Trevor Project
GBTQ+ youth crisis line: 1-866-488-7386
RAINN Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-656-4673
The information on this page is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for personal guidance about your health.