In honor of STD awareness month, here is a 1960s Ad Council public service announcement about venereal disease (The “V.D.” that cheerful voice is singing about):
Although how we understand and discuss sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) has changed a lot 40+ years since this PSA was produced, it is important as ever that we stay educated and empowered about our sexual health.
Each year, there are an estimated 19 million new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States.
- Young people are especially impacted. Even though youth age 15–24 make up only 25% of sexually active Americans, they acquire nearly half of all new STDs.
- In 2008, men who have sex with men (MSM) accounted for 63% of primary and secondary syphilis cases in the United States.
- People living with HIV experience more negative impacts of sexually transmitted infections, such as increased risk of neurosyphilis, HPV-related anal cancer in HIV-Positive MSM, and Pelvic Inflammatory disease in HIV-positive women.
- Women had 2.7 times the reported chlamydia rate of men in 2009.
- Transgender people experience HIV infection at up to four times the national level.
Here are five things we can all do to protect our sexual health:
- Stay Informed
Most STDs are easily cured if they are caught early but often go untreated because people don’t recognize their symptoms as possible signs of a sexually transmitted infection. If you notice any changes in your health, don’t write it off! Ask your health care provider. - Play Safe(r)
Safer sex practices can help protect you from getting a sexually transmitted infection. And safer sex isn’t limited to using condoms! There are other options you can explore to reduce your risk of catching an STD. Talk to your provider about your sexual practices and how you can cut your risk. - Get Tested
Some people don’t know they have an STD because they have no symptoms or have confused the symptoms for something else—a UTI, “jock itch,” etc. Make routine HIV/STD screening a part of your medical care. If you’re in the Boston area and want to know more about HIV/STD testing services, you can call Fenway’s referral line at 617.267.0159. For other areas, check National HIV and STD Testing Resources. - Stop Playing the Shame Game
STDs are a common occurrence with an uncommon level of stigma attached to them. Many people avoid getting tested because they are embarrassed—by their symptoms or because they fear judgment from others for getting tested. But getting tested is an important way to keep yourself and your sexual partners healthy—it’s nothing to be ashamed of! - Start a Conversation
Communication is one of the best tools we have to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. - Sexual partners can protect each other by disclosing their most recent test results or navigating safer sex practices.
- Patients should feel able to openly discuss their sex lives with health care providers and counsellors, who can discuss risk reduction strategies and recommend testing when appropriate.
- We can all encourage others to make healthier decisions by spreading information and awareness about STDs and testing.
To learn more about HIV and STD testing and counseling services at Fenway Health’s 1340 Boylston Street location, Fenway: South End, or Fenway: Sixteen, call 617.265.0159 or make a medical appointment at 617.927.6000. Young people ages 12–29 can access these services at the Sidney Borum, Jr. Health Center by calling 617.457.8140.
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