Private MD News

Groups work to encourage STD testing

Category: Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Infections like Chlamydia and gonorrhea are rising in many areas of the country. In order to curb the growing rates, health experts recommend that all sexually active adults receive an STD test.

Many of the more common infections present few symptoms, and those who have contracted the disease often don't realize that they are spreading it to others. STD testing is the only way to confirm with certainty disease status.

In order to encourage more people to seek STD testing, public health groups in Omaha, Nebraska are bringing Black Entertainment Television's Wrap It Up tour to the city. The event seeks to raise awareness of practicing safe sex and frequent testing.

"We're not going to stop until we get a handle on this epidemic," said Wes Hall, who leads the Institute for Student Empowerment in Omaha, the group sponsoring the tour's stop, quoted by the World-Herald. "The kids that are affected, they love celebrities. They're bringing the message that 'You have to have a safe lifestyle.'"

More than 15 million cases of syphilis, Chlamydia and gonorrhea are reported nationally each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.