Make No Apologies

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and from all walks of life - in the U.S. alone there are approximately 19 million new cases each year, about half of which occur among young people ages 15-24 years.

It isn't easy to estimate the number of STIs in the U.S. To begin with, many STIs have no noticiable signs or symptoms. These "silent" STIs can be diagnosed only through testing. Unfortunately, routine STI screening and testing programs are not widespread. But perhaps more important, social stigma often gets in the way of open and honest communication between healthcare providers and patients about STI risk and the need for testing.

Both patients and healthcare providers can feel uncomfortable talking sexual health issues and STIs. But the price of this discomfort is too high. Reducing stigma, and consequently increasing testing and treatment, could greatly enhance the quality of life of patients.

We must change out and that sexual health is a health issue like any other. Rather than focusing on the subject of "disease," patients and providers can focus on ways to take care of their health--their sexual health.

We beleive patients and their healthcare providers should make NO APOLOGIES for taking about sexual health. To help get the conversation started, ASHA offers resources here to help both groups.