STI Awareness Week, observed the second full week in April, provides an opportunity to raise awareness about STIs and how they impact our lives; reduce STI-related stigma, fear, and discrimination; and ensure people have the tools and knowledge for prevention, testing, and treatment.
The CDC estimates that about 20 percent of the U.S. population – approximately one in five people in the U.S. – had an STI on any given day in 2018, and STIs acquired that year cost the American health care system nearly $16 billion in health care costs alone.
"Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, are common, but people are often unaware they are infected. While STIs can cause itching or burning, many times there are no symptoms.
STIs are easily treatable when caught early but if left undetected, STIs can cause serious health consequences. Testing and appropriate follow-up care can help protect your long-term health," said Dr. Katharine Lounsberry, IEP Urgent Care Medical Director. IEP Urgent Care has seven locations in Metro Detroit, open seven days a week, and can test for all major STIs and advise a treatment plan.
If you are sexually active, or thinking of becoming sexually active, it is important that you Talk. Test. Treat. to protect your health. These three small actions can have a big impact on your sexual health!
TALK
Talk openly and honestly to your partner(s) and your healthcare provider about sexual health and sexually transmitted infections, or STIs.
Talk with your healthcare provider about your sex life as it relates to your health. This helps your healthcare provider understand what STI tests you should be getting and how often.
TEST
Get tested. It’s the only way to know for sure if you have an STI.
Many STIs don’t cause any symptoms, so you could have one and not know. If you’re having sex, getting tested is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health.
TREAT
If you test positive for an STI, work with your healthcare provider to get the correct treatment.
Some STIs can be cured with the right medicine, and all STIs are treatable. Your healthcare provider can talk with you about which medications are right for you.