Not talking about sex, and the diseases that come with it, may seem like the typically British thing to do, but those across the pond are tackling this very wellness problem. According to Carson City Health and Human Services, the residents of Carson City – the capital of the state of Nevada – need to address this taboo subject, and have “the talk.” The Health and Human Services department stresses that sexual health is part of overall wellbeing, and is joining with providers across the country to observe National STD Awareness Month, and remove some of the stigma and embarrassment that surrounds sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
20 million people are infected with a sexually transmitted disease every year, and at least half of those affected are between the ages of 15 and 24. This highlights that better education and prevention efforts are needed, especially among young people. Avoiding being infected in the first place is the best way to evade the negative health outcomes and stress associated with sexually transmitted diseases, and the Health and Human Services department recommends abstinence. According to the officials, choosing to not have sex is the only 100% effective way to keep from getting an STD or having an unwanted pregnancy.
However, even with the best of intentions, it’s hard for young people to remain abstinent and so Carson City Health and Human Services advises that, if you do choose to be sexually active, you need to do so responsibly – not only to protect your health, but also the health of your partner or partners. Every time you engage in sexual activity, including oral sex, you need to use a condom to prevent the spread of STDs. You can also reduce your risk of getting an STD by limiting the number of partners you have. It’s easy for a partner to pass on an STD, as the diseases often have no signs or symptoms.
As part of their sexual health initiative, Carson City Health and Human Services are offering affordable, confidential testing and treatment for STDs. Getting a quick and easy STD test is the only way to know for certain if you are infected, and it is recommended that you get tested annually or whenever you have a new partner. Luckily in this country, these tests are free and confidential on the NHS, so you have no excuse not to go get one.
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