The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department (SBCPHD), the California Department of Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are recognizing Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Awareness Week starting April 14. This observance aims to raise awareness about STIs to reduce stigma and increase knowledge on how to treat, prevent, and test for them.
During the pandemic, cases of gonorrhea and syphilis in Santa Barbara County have increased according to SBCPHD records for 2022. To address this issue, the county is urging sexually active individuals to take precautions. They recommend talking openly and honestly with healthcare providers about sexual health and STIs, as well as discussing testing with partners before engaging in sexual activity.
It’s advised that individuals use condoms correctly for every act of vaginal, anal, and oral sex and get tested regularly to know their STI and HIV status. Those who test positive for an STI should work with their healthcare providers to receive treatment, as all STIs are treatable. Additional information about sexual health can be found on the SBCPHD website.
If you would like to share a story idea or engage in the conversation around STI awareness, News Channel 3-12 encourages respectful and relevant comments following their Community Guidelines. You can submit story ideas on their website.
