CHENANGO COUNTY - April is National STD Awareness Month and the Chenango County Public Health Department is raising awareness about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexual transmitted infections (STIs), and ensure our community has the tools and knowledge for prevention, testing, and treatment.

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that “about 20 percent of the U.S. Population, approximately one in five people in the U.S., has an STI on any given day.”

Chlamydia is the most widespread STI in Chenango County. These infections can be contracted through all forms of sexual contact.

Knowing the facts can reduce your risk of contracting an STI and help reduce STI-related stigma and fear. Many people who have an STI show no symptoms and, therefore, don’t know they are infected. Exercising safe sexual health practices is vital to your overall health and well-being. Although STIs are preventable, it’s still possible to contract one if you are sexually active. All STIs are treatable with medications, and most are curable.

According to the CDC, the most at-risk population is young people aged 15-24, who account for half of all diagnosed infections. The CDC recommends that parents have an established line of communication regarding sexual health with their children because of the influence it can have on their child’s health and well-being.

Below are some ways to protect yourself and others from contracting or spreading STIs.

The most reliable way to lower your risk is to abstain from any other sexual contact with another.

If eligible, vaccinate against HPV (human papillomavirus) and Hepatitis B.

Reduce your number of sexual partners if you are not practicing monogamy.

Use condoms (male or female condoms) every time you have sex.

Use dental dams and flavored condoms every time you have oral sex.

Get tested regularly. This can be done at your primary care physician, urgent care, or Family Planning of South-Central New York.

If you are not practicing monogamy or are an IV drug user, consider using PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), which is a medication that helps prevent someone from getting HIV from an HIV-positive partner.

Be comfortable talking with your sexual partner(s) about their sexual health status.

If you have questions or would like to learn more, please contact the Chenango County Department of Public Health at 607-337-1660, where you can speak freely and with confidentiality to one of our nurses.

For more information, please visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/std/general/default.htm,

www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/protective/pdf/talking_teens.pdf, www.womenshealth.gov/hiv-and-aids/living-hiv/pregnancy-and-hiv, and fpscny.org/ online.

Questions or requiring additional information may contact the Chenango County Health Department at (607) 337-1660.

- From Chenango County Public Health