Prepare before you're there: April is STI Awareness Month

Erie County Department of Health shares STI testing and treatment resources

Submitted by the Erie County Department of Health

April is Sexually Transmitted Infections Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of sexual health and the steps to take to prevent STIs. The Erie County Department of Health emphasizes the importance of open conversations about sexual health, STI testing and protection. Having these discussions and planning ahead are vital for maintaining good health. Being prepared helps protect both yourself and your partner.

“STIs are preventable, and prevention begins with awareness, open communication and regular testing. Educating ourselves and engaging in honest conversations with our partners and physicians are important steps toward protecting our health,” Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale R. Burstein said.

Prepare before you're there: A game plan for sexual health

Discussing sexual health before sexual activity can help you and your partner make informed decisions. By creating a “game plan,” you can reduce stress, consider options for STI prevention and pregnancy prevention, and feel more confident in protecting your health. While anyone who is sexually active can contract an STI, rates are particularly high nationwide among adolescents and young adults (age 15-24 years), who account for about half of all new STI cases each year. However, people of any age, gender or sexual orientation can be at risk for STIs.

Here are some tips to help you prepare: 

Partner(s) conversation tips

√ Don’t avoid the conversation: Have a discussion with your partner before engaging in sexual activity. This allows both of you to make informed decisions about your sexual health. 

√ Be open and honest: Share information about the number of sexual partners you have. 

√ Be understanding: Approach the conversation with respect and without judgment, creating a safe space for ongoing discussion. 

√ Let them know: If you have an STI, be honest about it, even if you’re currently being treated. 

√ Ask when they were last tested: Find out when your partner was last tested for STIs and consider getting tested together before sexual activity.

Health care provider conversation tips

√ Find the right health care provider: Take time to choose a provider who makes you feel comfortable and heard. 

√ Ask to get tested for STIs: Get tested regularly. The earlier you’re tested, the sooner you can begin treatment if needed. Testing is easy, and you can even self-collect many of the samples for testing. 

√ Be open and honest: Be honest with your provider about your sexual history and any symptoms you may be experiencing. 

√ Don’t be afraid to ask questions: The more you know about preventing STIs, the better prepared you’ll be. 

√ Consider expedited partner therapy: EPT is an option for people to get treatment without a medical appointment if their partner has been diagnosed with an STI.

Additionally, pregnant people should be tested for syphilis during their first pregnancy examination, during the third trimester, and at delivery. Congenital syphilis, transferred from mother to baby, can cause severe complications like miscarriage, stillbirth, or lifelong developmental delays. Untreated syphilis can also lead to serious health issues, including damage to the heart, nerves and brain.

“Every case of congenital syphilis is preventable,” Burstein said. “Early detection and treatment are key to preventing the serious complications of congenital syphilis. By following your provider's testing recommendations, you are taking important steps to protect both your health and the health of your baby.” 

For people seeking STI testing, treatment and education, the Erie County Sexual Health Center, at 608 William St., is open weekdays. Health services are confidential, and services are never denied based on ability to pay. For more information, please call 716-858-7687, or contact 716-858-4EPT for EPT services. 

For more:

√ ECDOH Sexual Health Center: https://www3.erie.gov/health/sexual-health-center

√ ECDOH expedited partner therapy: www.erie.gov/ept

√ Bedsider.org: https://www.bedsider.org/sexual-health-and-wellness/sexually-transmitted-infections-stds-stis