September is Sexual Health Awareness month and SFHP invites you to learn more. Sexual Health is more than physical health. It is also your emotional, mental, and social well-being. This includes things like knowing your status around Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and family planning. Keep reading to learn more!

Talk honestly with your partners

Consent is sexy! Always ask for consent from your partners if you are going to engage in sexual activities. Remember, you can always take back your consent at any time. You should always feel safe in your relationships.

Open communication with your partners is important. Talk about past sexual partners and diagnoses. Let your partners know if they should get tested. Ask and share about what kind of protection you want to use. With Medi-Cal, you can get contraceptives at no cost to you. Talk to your primary care provider* (PCP) to learn more.

Be honest with your providers

Let them know if you have any concerns and want to get tested. Let them know if you have any new or worsening symptoms. If you don’t tell your providers what’s going on, you can’t get treatment. Most STIs have no symptoms at all. Routine testing is highly recommended if you are sexually active. Talking about STIs makes it easier for everyone to get treatment.

Common STI screenings test for:
  • HIV
  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Syphilis

Talk with your PCP about STI tests you need. Learn more about STIs here.

Sexual Health Care includes services like:
  • Testing and treatment for STIs
  • HIV/AIDS counseling, prevention, testing, and treatment
  • Contraception services such as birth control (does not include sterilization)
  • Pregnancy testing and counseling
  • Care for rape and other sexual assaults
  • Abortion services

These services are called “sensitive services”. You do not need permission from a parent or guardian to see a doctor for sensitive care if you are age 12-18.

If you do not want to see your PCP, you still have other choices. For sexual health care services under sensitive care, you can go to any Medi-Cal provider. You do not need a referral. Please contact SFHP Customer Service if you have questions about sensitive care coverage. Find a doctor here.

We recognize the LGBTQIA+ community faces unique challenges and barriers. Find resources here for more help.

For mental health help, call Carelon Behavioral Health to learn more about mental or behavioral health care. To get an appointment, call 1(855) 371 8117 or 1(888) 484-7200 (TTY) or visit carelonbehavioralhealth.com.

*Your primary care provider (PCP) is your main doctor or healthcare provider who helps you stay healthy and handles your care.

More Help from SFHP

  • Customer Service: If you need help or have questions, call SFHP Customer Service at 1(415) 547-7800, 1(800) 288-5555 (toll-free), or 711 (TTY), Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5:30pm.
  • Interpreter Services: You can get an interpreter in-person or by phone for your health visits. When you make an appointment, ask for an interpreter at the same time.
  • Need a Ride? SFHP can help you get transportation to any medical appointment covered by Medi-Cal. Ask your provider or call Customer Service.
  • Interested in Medi-Cal Benefits? See if you or your family can get Medi-Cal through SFHP.

Learn more about your covered Medi-Cal benefits and services.