Yes, it�s very possible to have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and no symptoms, and that means your partner can have one and not know it, too.

A person might also have mild symptoms in a place that�s very difficult to see, such as in the scrotum or inside the vagina. For example, HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, can live in the body for 10 years without a person feeling any symptoms. And HPV is the most common STI, because it usually has no symptoms, and so people spread it without knowing they have it.

So, the first step is to talk to your partner about your past sexual experiences with other people. You should also talk about birth control and what having sex means for your relationship. Remember, if you can�t talk to your partner before having sex, maybe you need more time to get ready for all the responsibilities that come with it.

In a healthy relationship, you and your partner should have no problem discussing your previous sexual partners. Still, since you can�t know for sure whether you even have an STI, it�s best for both of you to get tested.

Most clinics and hospitals offer free or low-cost STI testing. To find a clinic near you, check the yellow pages under �Clinics� or �Family Planning,� or locate a Planned Parenthood Health Center near you at 1-800-230-PLAN (7526) or click here. (These clinics can also provide you with condoms, which you must use every, single time you have sex to protect against both pregnancy and STIs.) You can also find a testing center near you through MTV�s Fight for Your Rights: Protect Yourself site locator.