HARTFORD – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), April is national STD awareness month and they are encouraging you to know the facts and get yourself tested.
In light of this, here are five facts all sexually active people need to know:
- You can’t tell someone has an STD just by looking at them.
- STD tests aren’t always a part of a regular doctor visit.
- Almost all STDs that can be spread via unprotected vaginal sex can also be spread through unprotected oral and anal sex.
- Using a condom can take a lot of the worry out of sex, since it can prevent unintended pregnancy and protect you from STDs.
- STD testing is a basic part of staying healthy.
Half of the estimated 20 million cases of STDs in the United States are among young people, and half of sexually active young people will get an STD by the time they’re 25, and most won’t know it.
The CDC provides a list of STD and HIV testing recommendations, as well as resources for school and community organizations to post for their own students and community members.
Click here to find the nearest STD and HIV testing clinic near you for confidential and free or low-cost testing.