April showers are known for bringing May flowers, but this year, it also brings that awkward relationship conversation you might not have been looking forward to … you and your partner’s sexual history. To confront those hard conversations on STDs and STD awareness, MTV’s Get Yourself Tested campaign has dedicated its efforts to making those talks easier.
Their hope is that prior to starting a new sexual relationship, you talk to your partner about your sexual history, STD prevention methods and getting tested. It is not the easiest conversation you will have, but it is an important one.
Contrary to popular belief, sexually transmitted diseases are actually very common. According to the Center for Disease Control, there are more than 19 million new cases of STDs in the U.S. annually, and by age 25, roughly one in two sexually active people will get one.
It only takes one sexual experience to get a STD. Even more troubling, STDs — including HIV — often have no symptoms.
STD tests are unique in that they are specific to each infection. It is important to know what tests you are getting and why. Discuss with your health care provider which STDs you should be tested for, but above all, you need to speak up and ask to get tested.
One common misconception about STD testing is that if a blood or urine sample is taken, or a pelvic exam is given, the doctor automatically screens you for all STDs. This is not true. If you want to know, you have to ask to be tested.
I believe the most prevalent reason college age students don’t get tested is, because if they under the age of 26, they are most likely under their parents insurance and are afraid of who will have access to their results. In general, it is law that medical information is kept confidential between the patient and the health care provider. However, positive results for some STDs may be shared with state or city health departments for tracking purposes. But according to MTV’s “It’s Your (Sex) Life” site, there are laws preventing health departments from sharing your results with your family, friends or even your employer.
If you use health insurance, you should consider who else has access to that information such as a parent or partner. Be sure to ask who will know that you got tested and who will know your results, especially if you are using insurance.
If you’re uninsured or prefer not to use your health insurance for STD testing, talk to your health clinic about payment options. In Moscow, we have several testing locations that offer payment options at low cost or even free testing prices, The Student Health Clinic, Wish Medical, Inland Oasis, Gritman Medical, Planned Parenthood and Idaho Public Health to name a few.
The good news is many STDs are curable and treatable, which is why it is incredibly important to get yourself talking, and to get yourself tested. Let’s move to change the stigma of getting tested from an act of shame to an act of pride. For tips on finding the right words to start your conversation or finding a location to get tested, stop by the Vandal Health Education Resource Room.
Bailey Hewitt can be reached at [email protected]