Happy National STI Awareness Month! This is the time of year where we raise awareness about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and reduce STI shame and stigma. Remember that the best way to prevent against STIs is abstinence or not having sex but if you’re sexually active, condoms are one of the best ways to lessen your chance of getting an STI or becoming pregnant!
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, STIs were on the rise and disproportionately affecting youth and teens. The most common symptom of an STI is no symptoms at all which means you might not even know you have an STI unless you get regularly tested. Some, like chlamydia, are very common, especially among teens. In fact, 5 out of every 10 people ages 15-24 have chlamydia. It’s referred to as the “Silent Epidemic” because it can increase the risk of spreading it from partner to partner, and it causes health problems without people knowing. That’s why it’s important to understand your body and learn about how to stay healthy by preventing and treating STIs.
There is no reason for teens to feel any shame or embarrassment for having sex and needing condoms, especially when condoms keep you and your partner safe and healthy. TeenSource is making it easier for teens to get free condoms through our Condom Access Project. We are increasing condom access in local communities and schools across California, and we need YOUR help to make that a reality. Use your voice to share your experience with condom access here.
To learn more about the different STIs, click here and check out this post about how to practice safer sex for LGBTQ+ teens. Getting tested in CA is easy – find a clinic to make an appointment or request a home STI test!