Get Yourself Tested
April is STI awareness month: Get yourself tested!
In addition to your usual class responsibilities, one of the more important tasks is to get yourself tested for sexually transmitted infections (sexually transmitted infections are also known as STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases).
You can contract an STI through vaginal, oral, and anal sex, and skin-to-skin genital contact. Contracting an STI is normal. In fact, according to the American Sexual Health Association, one in two (that’s half!) of sexually active individuals will contract an STI by the age of 25. So, if you have an STI or have had an STI, remember you are not alone and resources are available!
You may be thinking, “Why should I get myself tested for an STI? I have never experienced any symptoms that would be associated with a sexually transmitted infection!” Many people don't experience symptoms, meaning you may have an STI and not even know it! STIs don’t discriminate based on the way you look, who you are, or your sexual preference. If you have been sexually active - even just one time - you are at risk of contracting and potentially transmitting an STI.
An STI that is left undiagnosed, and therefore, untreated, can result in potentially harmful health risks. Untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea can cause infertility or even pelvic inflammatory disease. Luckily, if diagnosed, chlamydia and gonorrhea are curable with the use of antibiotics. Keep in mind that not all STIs are curable, but all are treatable, and symptoms can be managed.
If you have been sexually active, and want to get tested, have no fear, getting tested for STIs is quick, easy and painless! You can make an appointment at the Student Health Clinic between 8:00am-4:30pm Monday through Friday for STI testing. You can also make STI testing a part of your routine physical checkups to make sure your body is working the best it can be. Also, there are many places in the Cedar Valley to receive confidential and low cost or free STI testing:
Before you engage in a sexual relationship with someone, make it a point to bring up STI testing, or utilize protective barriers such as condoms. Need help starting the conversation about STI testing with your partner? Check out these resources below!
