CHENANGO COUNTY - April is STD awareness month, and an opportunity for Chenango County Public Health to spread awareness of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

During this time, we are focusing on providing our community with the tools, education, and resources needed for prevention, testing, and knowledge about STDs.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that “1 in 5 people have an STD on any given day, this is about 20 percent of the population.”

Chlamydia is the most prevalent STD in Chenango County. It is an infection that can spread through sex or sexual activity or through any intimate skin-to-skin contact.

Knowledge about STDs can help spread awareness and stop stigmas and fears about STDs. Many times, there are no symptoms, and people do not know they are infected. STDs can be spread with or without symptoms. Family Planning of South Central New York lists painful urination, irregular discharge, and itching as symptoms that a person may have an STD. Although preventable, STDs can still be contracted if you participate in sexual activities.

All STDs are treatable, and most are curable.

The population most at risk for STDs are those ages 15-23.

According to CDC, this age group accounts for nearly half of all STD diagnoses. Open communication between parents and their children regarding safe sex practices is recommended. This can have a positive influence on a child’s mental health and well-being when it comes to sexual activities.

There are now medications available to help prevent certain STDs. An example of this is Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which is a preventative medication taken by people who are at higher risk of HIV infection, including those who are not in monogamous relationships and people who inject drugs. Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is an emergency medication that is taken after a potential exposure to HIV to reduce the risk of infection. Talk with your provider to see if this would be beneficial to you. In New York State, there is a program called Expedited Partner Treatment (EPT). This program allows some healthcare providers to give medication or a prescription to the sexual partners of someone diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhea. The goal is to treat partners quickly and help prevent the spread of infection.

Choosing to abstain from sexual activity is the only certain way to avoid exposure to STDs. For those who are sexually active, using protection consistently and correctly greatly reduces risk. Health professionals recommend using condoms during vaginal and anal sex and dental dams during oral sex. These barrier methods help prevent the spread of infections. Public Health has condoms, lubricants, and dental dams available to the community.

Open and honest communication with sexual partner(s) about sexual health and testing history is another important part of prevention. Regular testing is also recommended—at least once a year, or more often depending on individual risk factors. Testing is available locally through Family Planning of South-Central New York, primary care providers, Women’s Health services, and walk-in clinics. Pregnant individuals are encouraged to be tested, as some infections can harm a developing baby if left untreated.

Vaccination is another important prevention tool. Vaccines are available to protect against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Hepatitis B, both of which can be spread through sexual contact. Finally, reducing the number of sexual partners, particularly outside of mutually monogamous relationships, can lower the risk of exposure.

For more information about prevention, testing, or available resources, contact your local health department. Knowing the facts can make a big difference in protecting your health and the health of our community. To read more please visit:

https://fpscny.org/medical-care/sti-testing/

https://www.cdc.gov/sti/about/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/sti/prevention/index.html

https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/std/sti_information.htm

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