April is National STI Awareness Month

You may know that sexually transmitted diseases and infections (STDs and STIs) are fairly common, but many people may not be aware of how to take actionable steps to reduce STDs nationwide. April is STI Awareness Month, and health organizations and professionals are working together to help spread awareness about these diseases and reduce the stigma associated with STDs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are more than 20 million new STI cases every year, amounting to nearly $16 billion every year in treatment. While STDs are common, many people may not know they have one if they do not develop symptoms. Left untreated, STDs can lead to major health problems and larger transmission rates.

It is thought that during the beginning of the pandemic, a lack of access to testing has allowed diseases like gonorrhea and syphilis to amplify their spread, with 2020 presenting some of the highest rates of infection since the early 1990s.

Fortunately, organizations like Hey Denver (an extension of Colorado Health Networks), Vivent Health, the Public Health Institute at Denver Health, and others provide free testing in the community. The Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment (CDPHE) also provides at-home STI testing kits in collaboration with Binx Health.

Regular STD testing is important for every sexually active adult, not only for you and your partner’s personal health but for reducing the rate and stigma of STDs in the community. The CDC recommends that everyone implement their “Talk. Test. Treat.” strategy as a part of regular sexual health: Talk openly with partners and healthcare providers about sex and the risk of STDs, get tested regularly, and seek treatment if you test positive for an STD. While not every STD can be cured, all can be treated.

Talking about sexual health and STD prevention doesn’t need to be awkward. Be sure to discuss risks and prevention with your partner(s) before you have sex, and remember to always create a nonjudgmental environment where you can be open and honest with each other. Besides regular testing, being able to have frank conversations about STDs is one of the most actionable ways we can end the stigma.

Community Resources:

Find HIV and STD testing locations through Denver Health here.

An extension of Colorado Health Network, Hey Denver is a non-profit community-based organization that provides free and confidential sexual health services. Learn more here.

The Empowerment Program provides services for women and trans women at risk or living with HIV. Learn more here.

It Takes A Village is a nonprofit dedicated to providing health resources to people of color in the Denver/Aurora community. Learn more here.

Servicios de la Raza is a human services organization for members of Denver’s Spanish-speaking community. Servicios provides all sorts of resources ranging from mental health and victim services, but they also provide HIV and STI testing. Learn more here.

Vivent Health has been providing testing and treatment since the early days of the HIV epidemic. Learn more here.