April is STD Awareness Month
April is STD Awareness Month
Every year sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, cost the U.S. health care system $17 billion–and cost individuals even more in immediate and long-term health consequences.
April is STD Awareness month, an annual observance to call attention to the impact of STDs and promote STD testing across the United States.
Regardless of race or gender, data show that sexually active teens and young adults are at an increased risk for STDs when compared to older adults.
Every year in the United States, there are an estimated 19 million new infections.
Estimates suggest that even though young people represent only 25% of the sexually experienced population, nearly half of all STD cases occur in young people aged 15 to 24.
The good news is that most STDs are treatable, and many are curable — early detection through testing is key. Yet, stigma, inconsistent or incorrect condom use, access to health care, and a combination of other factors contribute to high rates of STDs among teens and young adults.
What can health providers do to help adolescents and young people avoid STDs?
- Encourage STD testing among young people. Of the nearly 16 million sexually active women aged 15 to 25 in the United States, only 38 percent report being tested within the past year for chlamydia.
- Adhere to screening recommendations. CDC recommends annual screening for chlamydia for all sexually active women aged 25 and under.
- Ensure a sexual history is taken. A sexual history should be discussed during a patient's first visit, during routine preventive exams, and when there are signs or symptoms of STDs.
Posted by
George Daniels
on Sunday April 08 2012, 8:05 AM EDT.
Ref: CDC.
Link.
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