Saying ‘Yes’ To Sex Should Also Mean ‘Yes’ To STD Testing

When it comes to talking about sex, sexuality and sexual health, we’ve come a long way – in some respects. Today, the reality of sexual assault on college campuses, abortion rights, gender and sexual identity and access to contraception are part of an important national dialogue, one that is both political and personal. At the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA), our definition of sexual health is, by necessity, broad. Among other things, sexual health encompasses access to sexual health information, education and medical care; being informed and empowered regarding pregnancy and family planning; preventing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and accessing appropriate care and treatment; and being able to communicate about sexual health with not only sexual partners but healthcare providers, too. That last part – the communication piece – is one of the most important, but it’s easily neglected and taken for granted. That has real implications: There’s a continuing and troubling increase in the spread of STDs, especially among younger people. In fact, this year alone there will be 20 million new cases of STDs, about half of which will occur in sexually active people ages 15-24. Yet fewer than 12 percent of young people said they were tested in the past year. This low testing rate is particularly startling at a time when 58 percent of high school seniors have had sexual intercourse. Let’s talk about STDs One in two sexually active people will get an STD ...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news