{"id":2452,"date":"2023-04-24T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-24T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mdbc2.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/national-std-awareness-month\/"},"modified":"2023-04-24T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2023-04-24T05:00:00","slug":"national-std-awareness-month","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.mdbriefcase.com\/fr\/blog\/national-std-awareness-month\/","title":{"rendered":"National STD Awareness Month"},"content":{"rendered":"

April is Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Awareness Month. STDs, sometimes called sexually transmitted infections (STI), are incredibly common worldwide. STDs remain a significant public health concern due to their prevalence. Without proper treatment, many STDs can lead to health complications such as loss of fertility, transmission from mother to baby, certain cancers, and even death.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

STD Prevalence<\/b><\/h2>\n

The\u00a0World Health Organization reports that more than <\/span>1 million<\/span><\/a> sexually transmitted infections are acquired every day. In Canada,\u00a0<\/span>STD rates<\/span><\/a>\u00a0are on the rise. Diagnosis of gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia have been increasing for over a decade, particularly among people under 30 years old. In 2020, an estimated <\/span>1,520 Canadians<\/span><\/a>\u00a0contracted HIV, a viral STD. HIV prevalence is also increasing among people who use injectable drugs.<\/span><\/p>\n

While many STDs are easily detected and treated, social stigmas may make patients and healthcare providers reluctant to discuss them. Many patients have not received extensive sexual health education and do not understand their risk of contracting an STD. They may be concerned about confidentiality or being judged for their sexual activity if they seek treatment. Providers may lack proper context about their patients\u2019 lifestyles, risk factors, and understanding of sexual health, leading them to refrain from engaging in important conversations about sexual health.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

STD Stigma Reduction<\/b><\/h2>\n

Experts suggest that healthcare providers should take a proactive approach to de-stigmatizing STDs. Initiating discussions about STDs can help patients understand their risks and access appropriate testing and treatment. It also allows providers to present science-based safe sex information.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A <\/span>2021 study<\/span><\/a> suggests taking a culturally sensitive approach to conversations about STDs in the healthcare setting. Providers should aim to have conversations that are person-centered, sex-positive, and trauma-informed.<\/span><\/p>\n