“1 in 5 people in the US have an STI.”
“Almost half of new STIs were among youth aged 15-24 in the US.”
☀️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 an STI/STD.
“How common are STDs in the US?
The CDC estimates that one in five Americans has an STD. Young adults from ages 20 to 34 have the highest rates of infection.”
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 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 that 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.
“Marion county ranks top 20 for highest STD rates in the US, study shows.”
Also, Indy folks, we really need to be careful. See the quote below. We are in the top 20 counties in the U.S. with STDs/STIs. Specifically, we are number 18. In comparison, Chicago ranks 45th. If you are curious, number 1 is St. Louis & number 2 is Washington, D.C.
“What has caught researchers off guard is the growing body of data showing that the rates of STIs, including HIV, is rising at a faster pace among individuals aged 55 and older compared to other age groups-with no signs of slowing. While seniors still have a lower STI rate than other groups, the number of infections in that age range, adjusted for population, has more than doubled from 11.8 per 100,000 to 24.5 over a span of just five years. The increase can be attributed in part to the larger population of Baby Boomers transitioning into the Senior age bracket.”
Last, this includes elders, too. Maybe you are reading this and aren’t old yet. In the future, if you are still able to 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 among 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:
Quotes 1 & 2 – CDC
Quote 3 – Fox 59 & Invigor Medical
Quote 4 – Forbes