STIs and Sexual Health
Being alive and engaging in the world around us involves risk, whether we drive a car, eat at a restaurant, or have contact with someone who might have a cold. Being sexual with someone also carries risks—including the risk contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or even a simple cold. Being sexual also can provide many physical, emotional and spiritual benefits, including physical fitness, emotional bonding, and a feeling of spiritual connection. Understanding how to prevent STIs is an important part of being sexually health and enjoying the benefits of sexual activity.
Promoting sexual health and STI prevention is relevant any time, but there are specific observations recognized where this content is even more relevant. These include:
- STI Awareness Month (April)
- World Sexual Health Day (September 4)
- Sexual Health Month (September)
- Herpes Awareness Day (October 13)
#Trich is one of the most common curable STIs in the U.S. and affects more than 2 million people each year! Take charge of your sexual health, get the facts about trich and other STIs, and talk with your health care provider. https://bit.ly/Trichomoniasis #ISpeakSexHealth
There are many approaches to diagnosing herpes, but not all are created equal. In this 2 part podcast herpes expert Terri Warren, RN, ANP, discusses diagnostic tools as well as managing herpes in a relationship. https://bit.ly/managingherpes #ISpeakSexHealth
Unsure of when or what STI tests are right for you? Taking charge of your sexual health can be confusing, but these tips can help you get started. https://bit.ly/ASHASTItesting #ISpeakSexHealth
Prevention, screening, and treatment are all important parts of the safer sex toolbox. What’s in your toolbox? https://bit.ly/safersextoolbox #ISpeakSexHealth
April is STI Awareness Month
You can download individual images using the links below and copy the messages.
Screening, prevention, and treatment are all part of taking charge of your sexual health! #IspeakSexHealth #STIMonth23 https://bit.ly/STImonth23
Talking to your partner about screening and prevention are key pieces of STI prevention. For tips on talking to your partner, head to https://bit.ly/PartnerTalkASHA #STIAM #ISpeakSexHealth
#DYK that condoms are the only contraceptive that can also protect against STIs? https://bit.ly/condomASHA #STIAM #ISpeakSexHealth
April is STI Awareness Month, a great time to check in on your sexual health. To learn more about STI screening check out https://bit.ly/STImonth23 #STIAM #ISpeakSexHealth
YES to Sex? #YESmeansTEST! Get the facts on STI testing-it’s way easier than you’d think. @InfoASHA http://yesmeanstest.org/ #STIAM
The Retro Quiz Series
This series of posts would be great to share during STI Awareness Month in April. They point to more information on several STIs. If you’re not sure of any of the answers, just click the link in the post—you’ll find the answer there.
The More You Know…about STIs, the more you can take care of your health. And taking care of your health is rad. Totally. You can study up on STIs here: bit.ly/STIs_a_to_Z #STIsinthe80s
People talked about “the clap” in the 1980s, but this nickname dates back at least to 1587 when the term appeared in a collection of English poems. Visit https://bit.ly/3G0892s for the answer. #STIsinthe80s
Unlike other STIs we’ve talked about for centuries, this STI was only discovered in the early 1980s. What’s this new kid on the block? Find out here: bit.ly/3TV9r4e #STIsinthe80s
Fear-mongering headlines about this STI reached a fever pitch in the 1980s. Hint: It’s not HIV. It’s a common infection that about half of all people have. See bit.ly/3M58h4r for the answer. #STIsinthe80s
In the 1980s, a German virologist named Harold zur Hausen discovered the link between this STI and cancer. Think you know it? Check this link to find out: bit.ly/3M4BI6F #STIsinthe80s
The first official recommendations on the use of a vaccine for this viral STI were in 1982. Have you been vaccinated? See this link bit.ly/3G0EuGc for the answer. #STIsinthe80s
The first blood test for this STI—called an ELISA test—was released in 1985. Now you can also use oral fluids or urine to test. CDC recommends everyone be tested for this STI at least once. Check the link for the answer bit.ly/40NyYid #STIsinthe80s
