Today, getting tested for STIs is easier and more affordable than ever before. Whether from your doctor, planned parenthood, or even from an online kit delivered straight to your door, there is no excuse. Every sexually active person should be getting tested between every partner, and at least every year.
The year is 2020, people. There’s no room for stigma anymore.
Young people account for half of all new STIs, yet get tested less than any other population.
The fact that the rates of STI testing for sexually active males is significantly lower than women is EXTREMELY alarming, especially since men are typically given the responsibility of buying condoms (which, by the way, isn’t a HUGE responsibility since you can get them for FREE in some places, but women, we can buy them too!!). A huge reason for this discrepancy could be a result of people with penises not visiting a doctor yearly that is focused on their primary sex characteristics, therefore missing an opportunity to be tested. Additionally, primary care physicians typically don’t view a sexual history survey as necessary, although maybe they should.
In an ideal world, people would be made aware of their STI testing options and be encouraged to get regularly tested from resources such as health class, their doctor, and their family, too!
Until then, women, put your body first. Although STIs are not the end of the world, no person is worth inadvertantly getting one (or more). Demand the use of protection. Don’t settle for “it doesn’t feel as good,” or “I don’t have a condom on me right now.” Set your boundaries. Be an advocate for yourself, and take precautions such as getting the HPV vaccine.
STIs do not always have symptoms. You can’t assume someone’s STI status by looking at them. Untreated STIs could develop into diseases having long-term impacts on the reproductive system, causing issues such as infertility and certain types of cancers.
And while we’re on the topic, let’s stop using phrasing such as “clean” and “dirty” in relation to STI status.
Vogue Vulva 