STI / STD Awareness Month

STI / STD Awareness Month

In April, observe STI / STD Awareness Month. Diseases that are spread through sexual contact are usually referred to as sexually transmitted diseases or STDs for short. In recent years, however, many experts in this area of public health have suggested replacing STD with a new term, sexually transmitted infection, or STI. The awareness color associated with sexually transmitted diseases and/or sexually transmitted infections is light green or green.

In addition, STI / STD Awareness Month calls attention to the signs and symptoms of STIs. The concept of “disease,” as in STD, suggests a clear medical problem. And, typically there are obvious signs or symptoms. But several of the most common STDs have no signs or symptoms in the majority of people infected. Or, they have overlooked, mild signs and symptoms. So the sexually transmitted virus or bacteria can be described as creating “infection,” which may or may not result in “disease.” For example, this is true of chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and human papillomavirus (HPV), to name a few. Therefore, for some professionals and organizations the term “disease” is being replaced by “infection.”

About STI /STD Awareness Month

STI Awareness Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness about sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, and how they impact our lives. It’s important to reduce STI-related stigma, fear, and discrimination. And further, to ensure people have the tools and knowledge for prevention, testing, and treatment.

Statistics To Know During STI / STD Awareness Month

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• There are 20 million new STD cases in the U.S. every year
• The medical costs for these new cases are $16 billion
• In 2018, there were 1,758,668 cases of Chlamydia, 583,405 cases of Gonorrhea and 115,045 cases of all stages of Syphilis reported in the United States.

Get Tested – Learn More During STI / STD Awareness Month

Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and sexually transmitted infections (STI) mean the same thing. They are a disease that is spread through sexual activity. This includes all types of sex – vaginal, anal, and oral. Sexual health is an essential piece of overall health. People who have vaginal, anal, or oral sex can get an STI, which is why knowledge about these infections and how to prevent them is important. Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for getting and spreading an STD.

Here’s How You Can Avoid Giving or Getting an STD:

Practice Abstinence

The surest way to avoid STDs is to not have sex.  Additionally, this means not having vaginal, oral, or anal sex.

Use Condoms

Using a condom correctly every time you have sex can help you avoid STDs. Condoms lessen the risk of infection for all STDs. You still can get certain STDs, like herpes or HPV, from contact with your partner’s skin even when using a condom.

Have Fewer Partners

In addition, agree to only have sex with one person who agrees to only have sex with you. Make sure you both get tested to know for sure that neither of you has an STD. This is one of the most reliable ways to avoid STDs.

Get Vaccinated

Get vaccinated as prevention. The HPV vaccine is safe, effective, and can help you avoid HPV-related health problems like genital warts and some cancers.

Who should get the HPV vaccine?

• All boys and girls ages 11 to 12, but the vaccine can start at age 9.
• Everyone through age 26 years, if not vaccinated already.

Talk With Your Partner

Talk with your sex partner(s) about STDs and staying safe before having sex. It might be uncomfortable to start the conversation, but protecting your health is your responsibility.

Get Tested

Lastly, many STDs don’t have symptoms, but they can still cause health problems. Get tested. Upon results of your test, a nurse can discuss safe sex, treatment options, birth control, how to talk to your partner, and more. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask!

If You Test Positive…STI / STD Awareness Month Information

Most importantly, many STDs are curable and all are treatable.