April is Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Awareness Month. It is important to get yourself tested if you are sexually active. Recently, a new law was passed in Pennsylvania that allows partners of individuals with an STI to get STI treatment – without the partner having to see a doctor.
This new law, called Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT), allows healthcare providers to treat patients with an STI, and their partners, by giving the patient another prescription for the partner. EPT is safe, common, and approved by major medical associations such as the American Medical Association and the Centers for Disease Control.
EPT de-stigmatizes treatment for STIs and allows patients to focus on getting the care they need without barriers. With STI rates on the rise in Pennsylvania, EPT makes sure that both the patient and their partner(s) are treated. This will reduce reinfection and help mitigate other health concerns.
Anyone who has oral sex, anal sex, vaginal sex, or genital skin-to-skin contact with another person can get an STI. STIs don’t usually have any symptoms, so the only way to know for sure if you or a partner has an STI is to get tested.
PPKeystone offers a variety of STI testing and treatments, and our staff can provide information and resources to help you prevent STIs.
We offer services in:
HIV (including rapid testing and PrEP/PEP)
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Genital Warts
Trichomoniasis
Syphilis
HPV Vaccine (prevents genital warts and cervical cancer)
Hepatitis B & C
Herpes
STI Prevention Methods (internal and external condoms, dental dams), STI Education, Safer Sex Education
STIs are common and you shouldn’t feel ashamed if you have one. STIs are treatable and EPT means both you and your partner can get the care you deserve.
Planned Parenthood Keystone is proud to provide testing and treatment for STIs. Patients can schedule an appointment online or call 1-800-230-PLAN. You can learn more about our STI services here.
Tags: partners