Stigmas about having an STD cause people not to get tested or tell their partners they have one. Sadly, not talking about it or getting tested means more STDs. According to the CDC, young people between 13 and 24 seem most affected. Their research states:

• 19% of all new HIV diagnoses were among people 13 – 24 in 2022.
• 50% of reported STDs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) in 2022 were among people 15 -24.
• Only 6% of high school students surveyed in 2023 had been tested for an STI that year.
• About 1 in 4 young adults have an STD. The numbers could be even higher because many infected people don’t realize it.

The best way to avoid contracting an STD is not to have sex. If you do have sex, here are some ways to protect your sexual health:

• Be regularly tested for STDs
• Limit your partners (the more sexual partners you have, the more likely you are to contract a disease)
• If you’re contemplating having sex with a new partner, make sure they get tested since the last time they had sex.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions or have that awkward conversation about STDs.

With some STDs, a man or woman may have no symptoms at all. Untreated STDs can cause PID in women, causing complications such as the formation of scar tissue both outside/inside the fallopian tubes, ectopic pregnancy, infertility, or long-term pelvic/abdominal pain.

STD testing and early treatment are vital for your sexual health.  Schedule a free and confidential appointment with us today to learn more and get tested.