Know Your Status: Sexually Transmitted Infections Awareness Week

By Marketing Specialist Shamika Andrew

Image of man and woman holding hands.

Know your status, keep you and your partner safe.

Sexually Transmitted Infections Awareness Week – April 14-20 – provides an opportunity to share information about STIs and how they impact lives; reduce related stigma, fear, and discrimination. With millions of new cases each year, STIs remain a significant public health issue. Awareness helps individuals make informed choices to protect their health and the health of their partners.

STIs are common, but the stigma surrounding them often prevents individuals from seeking testing and treatment. Fear of judgment or embarrassment can lead to delayed care, increasing the chance of complications and the spread of the infection. By promoting awareness, the aim is to normalize conversations about sexual health, making it easier for people to talk openly about their concerns and seek help when necessary.

Research shows that people may not believe they are at risk for sexually transmitted infections. STIs often have no symptoms, so you may not know you are infected. Routine screenings and regular testing, having an open and honest conversation with your partners and primary care team is an important part of keeping yourself and your partners safe. STIs are preventable; if you have sex, know how to protect yourself and your partner.

Here are some ways to protect yourself:

  • Reduce your number of sexual partners. Being in a mutual monogamous relationship with a partner that has been tested and doesn’t have an STI.
  • Routine testing is important, especially for individuals who have multiple partners or engage in unprotected sex. Testing for STIs is a simple and quick procedure that can be done by making an appointment with your primary care team.
  • Get vaccinated. The HPV vaccine series helps prevent HPV infections, precancers, and cancers. The American Cancer Society and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend beginning the HPV vaccination series for boys and girls at age 11 or 12, but the series can be started as early as 9 years old and as late as 26 years old.
  • Treating sexually transmitted infections can allow you get healthy and prevent further transmission to sexual partners. Many can be cured with treatment and relieve symptoms.

Education, open communication, and proactive prevention strategies are essential in reducing the spread of STIs and promoting overall well-being. Everyone deserves to live a healthy life, and understanding and managing sexual health is a key part of that. Stay informed, stay safe, and encourage others to do the same.

To schedule an appointment for screening or testing, contact your integrated care team.