April is National STI Awareness Month, and Carson City Health and Human Services encourages everyone to take charge of their sexual health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that one in five Americans has a sexually transmitted infection, and many may not even know it. Some STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can cause infections without showing symptoms. In fact, 10% of men and 5-30% of women with chlamydia may never experience symptoms.
Young people ages 15-24 are at a higher risk of contracting STIs, with over half of new diagnoses in 2018 occurring in this age group. Sexual health is not the same for everyone, so it is important to have a plan before engaging in sexual activity.
Prepare before you are there
Being open and honest with current or new partners about sexual health is essential to reducing the risk of STIs. The CDCs “Prepare Before You Are There” campaign recommends evaluating your risk by answering the following six questions with “yes” or “no”:
1. Have you had sex without a condom in the past 12 months?
2. Have you ever had an STI?
3. Have any of your sexual partners tested positive for an STI?
4. Have you or your sexual partners used illicit substances?
5. Have you exchanged sex for money, housing, drugs, or other resources in the past 12 months?
6. Have any of your sexual partners had sex with someone else while in a relationship with you in the past 12 months?
Answering “yes” to any of these questions may indicate an increased risk of STIs. If so, speaking with a healthcare provider about testing options may be a good next step. However, even if all answers are “no,” staying informed and taking preventative steps is important.
Decide on your game plan
CCHHS encourages the community to take control of their sexual health. The CCHHS clinic provides various services, including:
• Contraceptive methods such as condoms and birth control
• Confidential testing and treatment for STIs
• Safe sex kits, which include condoms
Using protection every time from start to finish can help reduce the risk of STIs. Making informed choices now can help prevent unexpected health concerns later.
Get tested: Walk-In Wednesday
For those considering STI testing, CCHHS is hosting a Walk-In Wednesday on April 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the clinic, located at 900 E. Long St.
For information or to schedule an appointment outside of Walk-In Wednesday, visit gethealthycarsoncity.org or call the clinic at 775-887-2195.