With Valentine’s Day approaching, love is in the air. We all choose to express love in different ways, be it compliments, chocolates, romantic dinners and the like. For those of us choosing to get frisky this Valentine’s Day (or any other day of the year), it’s important that—for the safety of you and your partner(s)—you make sure to get screened for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

According to the results of Student Love, of those who responded to the survey, approximately 71% of students reported that they have had sex, while only 44% of students reported having been tested for an STI. People between the ages of 15 and 24 account for approximately 10 million new cases of STIs in the United States annually. With this being a college campus, almost all of us fall within this age range, so for those of us who are sexually active, getting tested is an essential component to maintaining a healthy sex life.

It’s important to treat your sexual health with just as much care as you would any other aspect of your health. The Zenker Wellness Suite in the Sumers Recreation Center offers free condoms, internal condoms, lube and dental dams when the suite is open, along with a plethora of handouts and resources on sexual health.

Getting STI screened regularly is vital. It is important to get tested after each new partner. Protection against STIs is not always guaranteed, even when protection is used; it’s just as important to get tested when using protection as it is to get tested when not using protection. Waiting until you begin to exhibit symptoms of infection to get tested is not realistic and is putting you, along with everyone you are intimate with, at risk. Many people with STIs do not show symptoms that they are able to recognize as an STI. And when left untreated, STIs can manifest into greater issues, such as infertility and mother to child transmission.

Students can receive STI testing on campus at the Habif Health and Wellness Center. STI screening is a standard component of a women’s wellness exam, something most insurance companies cover once a year. If Habif is too crowded or the insurance fees are unaffordable, there are a myriad of other options you can take to get tested.

The Wash.U. Division of Infectious Diseases Clinic offers free and confidential HIV testing available by appointment or walk-ins. The St. Louis County Department of Health offers free walk-in STI screenings as well, in addition to a number of other sources. If you’re looking to stay on campus but don’t want to book an appointment, the Habif Health and Wellness Center Sexual Health Peer Health Educators are offering a Free STI Screening in the DUC on February 24.

If you do get tested and the test comes back positive, don’t panic. STIs are common and many are treatable. In regards to genital herpes alone, 1 in 6 people between the ages of 15 and 49 are carriers. Make sure to tell your recent sexual partners to get themselves tested, as well; do not let shame keep you from protecting your own health or the health of others.

This Valentine’s Day—and the remaining 365 days of the year—make sure you take the time to get screened. Sex is more fun without having to worry about STI’s. Always remember: get tested, get frisky, then get tested again.