STD Awareness Month: Get Yourself Tested

Since April is STD Awareness Month, we're dedicating this post to giving you the facts.

Three common STDs—chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis—are surging across the United States. That's according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Young people are especially hard-hit. The CDC says 15-24-year olds account for half of all new STDs.

The Houston area is no exception to that.

“The consequences of STDs are especially severe for young people,” said Gail Bolan, M.D., director of CDC’s Division of STD Prevention.

“Because chlamydia and gonorrhea often have no symptoms, many infections go undiagnosed and this can lead to lifelong repercussions for a woman’s reproductive health, including pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.”

Untreated STDs can also increase a person’s risk of getting HIV or passing it to a partner if they’re living with HIV.

Early detection through testing is key to avoiding these consequences. But research has shown many teens don’t talk with their providers about sexual health issues at all.

Getting tested for STDs during STD Awareness Month: is one of the most important things a person can do to protect their health. But, it’s not the only thing.

There are several ways to prevent STDs.

Those who test positive for an STD should get treated right away.

They should also be sure their partner is also treated to lower the risk of getting infected again.

Visit the GYT: Get Yourself Tested campaign website for more information on STD testing and prevention.

Know the Facts:

You can’t tell someone has an STD by looking at them.
STDs often have no symptoms. The only way to know for sure if you have an STD is to get tested.
STD tests aren’t always a part of a regular doctor visit—you may have to ask for tests.
Contraceptive methods like the pill, patch, ring, and IUD are very effective at preventing pregnancy; condoms protect against pregnancy and STDs.
STD testing is a basic part of staying healthy.

Visit your local Affinity Urgent Care for STD Awareness Month to take control of your health and get tested.

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