STD Awareness Month - 2014
This web page is archived for historical purposes and is no longer being updated.
April is STD Awareness Month - STD Prevention is a Part of HIV Prevention
Sexually Transmitted Infections: What Women Need to Know
April 29, 2014 - Office on Women’s Health blog
STD Prevention is a part of HIV Prevention
April 7, 2014 - AIDS.gov blog
Stop STIs: Six Steps to Safer Sex
April 13, 2015 (updated) - Office on Women’s Health blog
April is STD Awareness Month
April 4, 2014 - MMWR Announcement
- 20 million new STDs, including 50,000 new HIV infections, occur every year.
- Being infected with genital herpes makes you 3 times more likely to get infected with HIV, if exposed.
- Data collected from several major U.S. cities indicate that nearly 45% of gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men with syphilis are also infected with HIV.
April marks the annual observance of STD Awareness Month. Individuals, health care providers, and community-based organizations are encouraged to bring a renewed sense of enthusiasm and focus to their STD awareness and prevention efforts throughout the month.
Studies show that people who have STDs such as gonorrhea, herpes, and syphilis are more likely to get HIV compared to people who are STD-free. And the same behaviors that put you at risk for acquiring these STDs can put you at risk for getting HIV.
How can I make a difference?
- Providers: Educate your patients about their risk for STDs and HIV, and make taking a sexual history a priority.
- Civic and community-based organizations: Support local STD and HIV prevention efforts.
- Individuals: Protect your health—take steps to lower your risk of getting an STD, and also lower your risk of getting HIV.
- Page last reviewed: April 8, 2014 (archived document)
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