Private MD News

Communities observe STD awareness month

Category: Sexually Transmitted Diseases

April marks Sexually Transmitted Disease Awareness Month, and many communities are using the time to encourage improved sexual health among local residents. Many groups are suggesting that people consider seeking STD testing.

For example, the Southern Nevada Health District is urging local residents to discuss sexual health matters with their physician, according to local news station KTNV. This may include discussions of whether STD testing is appropriate.

The agency told the news source that some groups face a particularly high risk of becoming infected with an STD. These include people below the age of 25 and African Americans. Individuals who are a part of either of these demographic groups should pay close attention to their sexual health and take steps to avoid becoming infected.

Young people only represent about 25 percent of the total U.S. population, yet they account for about half of all new positive STD tests, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. STD Awareness Month represents the perfect opportunity for teens and young adults to start practicing safer sex.