As we wrap up Black Maternal Health Week, we must address April being STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections) Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are 20 million new STI cases in the U.S. every year. While most are treatable, it is important to know your status as undiagnosed STI’s can have long term effects including infertility.
No one really wants to talk about STIs – especially if they’ve been affected by them. But this topic is too important to allow shame, embarrassment or the “I’d rather not know mentality” to exist.
Your health- or possibly your life- depends on knowing your sexual health status.
That’s why I reached out to University’s Health’s Dr. Nia Jenkins. She speaks on the importance of STI testing – even if you’re coupled up or married. She also shares on the rising rates of STIs in older adults, the most common STIs and more.