Knowledge about sexually transmitted infections continues to increase as medical knowledge advances.
The majority of STIs either do not produce any
symptoms or signs, or they produce symptoms so mild that they are unnoticed;
consequently, many infected persons do not know that they need medical care.
It may take years for a person to become aware of a health problem related to STIs.
The CDC estimates that there are 110 million STIs across the
nation currently with approximately 20 million new infections diagnosed each
year. Young people ages 15-24 represent 50 percent of all new STIs in the U.S. with the
remainder in adults 24 years and older.
According
to the CDC, people aged 50 and older accounted for 15 percent of new HIV/AIDS diagnoses.
Statistics from DHHS-NE/Kaiser Foundation in 2010 show:
- Chlamydia- 158 cases (Two Rivers Public Health District); 5,114 cases (Nebraska)
- Gonorrhea- 14
cases (Two Rivers Public Health District); 1,187 cases (Nebraska)
- Syphilis- 1
case (Two Rivers Public Health District); 33 cases (Nebraska)
To reduce your risk of contracting an STI:
- Get yourselves
tested,
- Use a condom,
- Talk about your
STI status before you have sex,
- Age does not
grant immunity from STI,
- Practice monogamy or limit your sexual partners, and
- If you think you have been exposed to an STI get
treatment.
See your medical provider
or contact Nebraska AIDS Project to be tested. Nebraska AIDS Project provides
free, confidential and anonymous HIV testing and counseling with results
available the same day.
NAP is located at 11 W. Railroad, and is open Monday through Friday by appointment. Call 308.338.0527.
Central Health Center accepts walk-in
appointments for STD testing/treatment. They are located at 4503 2nd Ave Ste 209. Call (308) 234-9140 or toll free at (888) 308-2135 for more information.
