STD awareness important during awareness month
With the month of April being Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Awareness Month, treatment of diseases and availability of services
is important to prevention and awareness.
According to the Quest Diagnostics Web site, a provider of
diagnostic testing, information and services, there are 15 million
new STDs cases in the United States each year.
Deb Morris, health educator for Hartshorn Health Service, said
the health center offers testing, care and treatment for all of the
sexually transmitted diseases through procedures and
medications.
“A person diagnosed should follow the advice of the health
provider,” Morris said.
According to Quest Diagnostics, most STDs are easily cured and
treated if they are caught early.
Unfortunately, people do not seek treatment because they are
unaware that they have a disease or they are embarrassed and afraid
of the stigma associated with being diagnosed with a STD.
Morris said antibiotics can be used to treat STDs that are
bacterial infections, including gonorrhea, chlamydia and
syphilis.
“Treatment may be for you to get as healthy as you can,” Morris
said.
Though there will be some costs, Morris said Hartshorn is a good
place to seek treatment because it does offer full treatment.
According to the American Social Health Association, Human
Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the fastest-growing diseases in the
United States with 5.5 million new cases each year.
Treatment is directed to the changes in the skin or mucous
membrane that is caused by the HPV infection, but there is no known
cure.
Infections usually go away by themselves.
Quest Diagnostics advised being aware of symptoms and to get
check-ups such as Pap smears on a regular basis.
Also, getting treated early will not only prevent more serious
complications, but also reduce the spread of STDs.
Planned Parenthood also offers testing and treatment for people
who have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease.
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