National STD Month

April is National STD Awareness Month. If you’re a sexually active young person, you should know that sexually transmitted infections are on the rise in the United States, especially among young people.

In 2010, the rate of new HIV infections among Latinos was nearly three times that of white people. The rate of new infections among Hispanic/Latino men was three times that of white men, and among Latinas it was more than four times that of white women.

Latinos can combat the disproportionate impact of HIV in the community with a concerted effort to get tested and stay healthy.It can be intimidating to think about, but taking charge of our health by getting tested is just a basic part of staying healthy and taking control of your sex life. Many STDs cause no symptoms. The only way to know your status for sure is to get tested.

To find out more about STDs and testing, contact a Planned Parenthood health center to schedule a checkup. Planned Parenthood works every day to keep young people healthy, and their doors are open to everyone. Go! Get yourself tested!

Luis Montero
Rolando/SDSU, Resident