☀️Morning Message☀️
Many of you know that I mentor quite a few people, and no topic is off limits.
I thought it would be helpful to share a topic I have talked about this year with mentees, especially now that snow is on the way and some of y’all are getting lured away by grey sweatpants, those big boys, thick women in sweater dresses, or anything with a pulse during these colder months which is also known as cuffing season.
Having an unexpected child next summer as a result of your escapades isn’t the worst thing that could happen to you. You could also end up with a STI/STD.
I tell my mentees: If you are making that beast with two backs/engaging in the horizontal tango, eating pie, or sucking on a popsicle, you should get tested for STIs/STDs. Period! No exceptions.
⚪️ “But we’re monogamous.” Are you with them 24/7? Get tested.
⚪️ “I trust them.” Confirm that trust. Get tested.
⚪️ “They’re are going to get mad if they find out, or think i’m stepping out.” Let them be mad. Is this person mature enough to be in a relationship with you? Get tested.
⚪️ “We keep it wrapped tighter than a side dish with sauce in a to go box that is also wrapped with saran wrap.” Nothing is 100% fullproof. Get tested.
⚪️ “I’m on birth control” OR “He exits before the little men are deployed” OR “I have had multiple situationships this year, but I feel fine.” WTF?!? Let me get you a book or find a podcast or some source so you understand how STDs/STIs are contracted. You most definitely need to get tested!
Personally, I think when people have their annual physical and they share they are mixing their fluids with others, that STD/STI testing should automatically happen. It should not matter if the person is married or in a committed relationship, nor should the partner be offended.
Also, Indy folks, we really need to be careful. See last graphic. We are in the top 20 counties in the U.S. with STDs/STIs. Specifically, we are number 18. In comparison, Chicago is number 45. If you are curious, number 1 is St. Louis & number 2 is Washington D.C.
Last, this includes elders, too. Maybe you are reading this and aren’t old yet. In the future, if you are still able get some and make those hips rotate, would you still want some? Okay, then! Don’t be surprised that STDs/STIs are on the rise with older folks. If Grandma or Grandpa has a friend, this message is for them. My friend’s grandmother lived in a senior facility where they put a curfew because so many seniors were getting busy in their wheelchairs, with their canes, and underneath that heirloom quilt.
In conclusion, be safe. Be informed. Get Tested. Stay Healthy 💪🏾
Sources:
Graphics 1 & 2 – CDC
Graphic 3 – Fox 59 & Invigor Medical
Graphic 4 – Forbes