With nearly 19 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) reported in the U.S. annually, getting tested for STDs should be a high priority for anyone who is, or is thinking about becoming, sexually active. That's why Planned Parenthood, MTV, and Kaiser Family Foundation have joined forces in an unprecedented campaign to encourage people to get tested.
Low-Cost Testing at PPHPCall 1-800-230-PLAN (7526) or visit Patient Resources, on this website, to find the PPHP location nearest you. Our staff is expecting you.
Get comprehensive information about STDs, talking tips, risk assessment, and more at GYT09.org. |
* 1 in 4 teenage girls has an STD
* 1 in 2 African Americans contracts an STD
Among Latinas
* Gonorrhea infection is twice as high as for non-Hispanic white women
* Chlamydia infection is 3 times higher than among non-Hispanic white women
* HIV/AIDs is the #4 killer of Latinas 35 – 44 in the US
One reason for this explosion in STD cases is that STIs often show no symptoms. The only way to know if one is infected is to be tested. Untreated STIs can lead to infertility and an increased risk of HIV infection. All STDs are treatable and many are curable. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to minimizing health risks.
“Most people would be shocked to hear that by age 25 one in two sexually active young people will have an STD. This is not just a statistic but the reality of what Planned Parenthood health centers see every day,” said Cecile Richards, president, Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
If you’ve never been tested for STDs, now’s the time. Call 1-800-230-PLAN (7526) or visit Patient Resources to find the PPHP location nearest you. To learn more about getting tested for STDs, visit www.GYT09.org.
