STI Awareness Month
sexual wellness equals personal wellness.
Did you know that April is National STI Awareness Month? It's that time of the year when I remind you to be safer but still have a good time while doing it. Getting tested and knowing your status is sexy. There’s nothing to be ashamed of, in fact, it's very responsible. I don’t care if you are single, dating, or in a relationship, it is important to know about your sexual health. I have had many conversations about relationships where an individual thought they were practicing monogamy but their partner was not.
STIs are incredibly common, and it's estimated that one in two sexually active people will contract an STI by the age of 25. That's why it's crucial to protect yourself and your partners by using condoms, dental dams, gloves, and getting tested regularly. Plus, STIs can have serious health consequences if left untreated, and nobody wants that. Most STIs are easily treatable and manageable with the right medication. But, you can't get treated if you don't know you've got one. Sometimes there won’t be any symptoms, so passing it to someone else can be easy. Don't be afraid to ask for a test at your local health clinic, Planned Parenthood, or a doctor/gynecologist visit. They even have kits that will come directly to your door that you can order online.
Getting tested can seem like an intimidating task, but it's actually pretty straightforward. Plus, you'll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing your status.
5 different ways to be productive with safer sexual practices:
Get Tested.
Have open and honest discussions with your sexual partners.
Use condoms and dental dams.
Be mindful and selective with how you sleep with.
Vaccinations.
We need to get rid of the stigma surrounding STIs and start talking about them more honestly and openly. Remember, getting tested is easy, it's important, and it's nothing to be ashamed of. So, go ahead and make that appointment—your sexual health and well-being are worth it.
Knowing your status is sexy! Knowing is both power and protection.
