STD Awareness Month!!
▪️April is STI/STD Awareness Month, an ideal time to learn the facts about sexually transmitted infections and how to protect your sexual health!
▪️Since 2013, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis have all greatly increased. In fact, the combined cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis reached a total higher than ever before in 2018, according to a yearly report released in October by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). This is the fifth year in a row we’ve seen a rise in STD rates in the United States!
▪️I was contacted by a great organization at STDTesting.org! They are helping stop the spread of STDs and HIV by educating individuals online about this crucial healthcare fight against sexually transmitted infections and diseases. I want to help them create awareness about resources that can help readers take control of their sexual health.
▪️This organization recently published a complete guide on STD testing and information which is amazing! They also have published STI testing centers for some states that are free or low cost! This is crucial in the time of COVID because it will be a resource for you to go to if your doctor’s office is closed!
▪️So three key points about STIs in general!
Don’t be embarrassed or think we will judge you when you come in for testing! We love patients who care about their health!
STIs can be asymptomatic or have no symptoms so you might not get detected before it damages other parts of your female organs or fertility. Don’t waste time if you have a suspicion!
STIs happen. So make your testing happen!
Hope this helps!
Dr. Erica 👍🏼