Sexually transmitted infections and diseases (STDs) have steadily risen for a number of years. There are many factors that contribute to this but there is only one bulletproof way of protecting yourself: use protection. Frequently, young people between the ages of 15 and 24 are blamed for the continued spread of STDs. While it is true that more than half of all new infections occur within this demographic, they are not the only ones at risk.
Recently, there has been a growing number of STDs reported by older adults in their post-childbearing years. This trend is particularly worrisome because of the lack of information and awareness. Young sexually active people today, while still having high rates of STDs, frequently benefit from formal and informal education they’ve received. Since worry about STDs has been prevalent in their lifetime, they usually have grown up hearing about healthy sexual practices even if they don’t always follow them. They also know about signs to look for and resources for seeking medical help. By contrast, older men and women post-childbearing years haven’t heard the same information and therefore sometimes disregard the risk.
STDs, just like everything else, have changed drastically in the past few decades. There are more varied infections and strains than ever before. This makes seeking expert physician help critical to protecting you and your partner/s. UNI doctors are available at any of our six convenient locations to help you comfortably and confidentially. Not only can UNI doctors provide you piece of mind by administering tests, but if there is something that needs treatment, they can provide counsel on a treatment plan. So if you do notice anything unfamiliar, please feel comfortable reaching out to UNI’s doctors who are always available to help you discreetly.
If you would like to discuss current best practices for safe sex, UNI doctors are always willing to give advice. It’s important to remember STDs are preventable if proper precautions are taken during either protected or unprotected sexual intercourse.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/std/default.htm