Do I Have an STD?

We’ve all heard about STDs/STIs, but how do we really know when we’ve been exposed to one?
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It isn’t anyone’s place to judge you or tell you how to live, but at the CPC we do want to share with you information that can help you live your best life. Stick with me the next few paragraphs as I share with you about sexually transmitted infections and how you can protect yourself.

First thing first, condoms do not protect you completely. If used correctly, condoms can protect you from STDs/STIs that are passed through bodily fluid, but they cannot protect you from infections that are passed by skin-to-skin contact. It’s also important to mention that just because a condom is used, doesn’t mean it’s being used properly. Many times, condoms are not used correctly and that means a higher chance of contracting an STD/STI or becoming pregnant.

The chance of a person in the age group of 15-24 contracting an STD/STI is super high. It’s estimated that 1 in 4 young women in our nation has an STD. For my local ladies, Shreveport ranks #9 in the nation for the most reported STD cases. For the state of Louisiana as a whole, we rank #2 in the nation for chlamydia, #3 for gonorrhea, and #5 for syphilis. I don’t want to scare anyone, but I do want you to know how common STDs/STIs can be so you know how to protect yourself. With many STDs, the symptoms may go unnoticed for long periods of time, so it’s important to get tested regularly if you have had multiple partners.

Now that the stats are out of the way, how can you protect yourself? This answer is pretty simple, know your partner and make well informed decisions about your sexual partner(s). Research proves that long-term, monogamous relationships where both people are faithful shows a nearly 0% chance of contracting an STD/STI. Have a conversation with your partner or potential partner about sexual health and getting tested for STDs/STIs. The CPC can provide you with a list of testing sites.

The staff and volunteers at CPC don’t want to judge you or tell you how to live your life. We’re here to encourage you and provide you with helpful information about your sexual health. If you’re feeling discouraged, please know that you are so valuable and worthy of love and respect. Email us or give us a call today so we can talk with you more about your health!

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