Vanessa Cullins, Vice president for Medical Affairs at Planned Parenthood Federation of America
How many negative statistics do we have to read before we get the
message? When it comes to practicing safer sex, much work still needs to
be done. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), as many as 19 million
new sexually transmitted infections occur in the U.S. each year. While
STIs cross all racial lines, African Americans are disproportionately
at risk for such common infections as chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and
syphilis. African Americans make up just 13 percent of the U.S.
population, yet in 2009 we accounted for approximately half of all new
cases of chlamydia and syphilis (48 percent and 52 percent respectively), and some 71 percent
of gonorrhea cases. We also experienced more than half of newly
diagnosed HIV infections; in fact a report last month from the CDC found
a significant increase in the number of new infections of gay and bisexual African-American men between the ages of 13-29.
African-American women must take the first step to protect our
health: Talk about sex. I know that can be difficult. Many of us live in
communities that consider explicit discussions about sex embarrassing
or shameful. Or we may be too worried about what our partners will think
or do. Will he think I'm promiscuous? Will he get sex from another
woman? Some women have been led to falsely believe there's a shortage of
good men out here and feel pressured to please their partners, even
when they refuse to use condoms. Some women falsely think they're not at
risk.
Think again. The truth is all of us are at risk. The misconception
that you have to be promiscuous to get a sexually transmitted infection
just isn't true. We have to be just as honest with ourselves about our
risks -- and the reasons why. For a number of reasons -- including a
lack of affordable health care, men who have multiple sex partners,
bisexual men, and the high incarceration rate of African-American men,
who are exposed to STIs, including HIV, while in prison -- these
infections are much more prevalent in African American communities. If
you live in an area where an infection is widespread, your risk of
meeting an infected partner is automatically higher -- and protecting
yourself takes even more diligence. Untreated infections can not only
lead to HIV/AIDS but to infertility, chronic pelvic pain, cervical
cancer and other serious conditions.
Remember, you only know your own sexual behaviors and sexual history.
And you trust that what your partner tells you about his or hers is
true. But until you are feeling supremely trustful, or are in a
serious, monogamous relationship, do whatever it takes to protect your
health and wellness. When it comes to sex, that means honest
discussions about sex, since dialogue and observation of his or her
behaviors are the only way to determine trustworthiness. That doesn't
mean you have to give up sex to stay safe. But you do have to use
protection; there simply is no reason for anyone not to.
These things may not be easy to talk about, but the conversation has
to happen. Start by asking your partner if he or she has ever been
tested for a STI. Then explain that it's important to you to use
protection -- to not only prevent an infection but an unintended
pregnancy. Talk about the different kinds of protection, what will work
best for the two of you, and then find ways to make using it fun.
You also need to get yourself tested every year. So does your
partner. Don't let cost or embarrassment keep you from getting tested.
Nowadays, the urine tests are quick, painless and readily available at Planned Parenthood health centers
and other community clinics. And don't let fear hold you back. Any
sexually transmitted infection can be controlled with medication, and
many can be cured completely. Even testing positive is more an
opportunity than a curse, both for you and your partner, because if you
don't know you're infected, you can't get treated and stay healthy.
You can only protect your health -- and that of your partner -- by taking the first step. Talk.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/vanessa-cullins/african-american-std-sti-prevention_b_959269.html
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Time to Start Talking : The Reality of Sexually Transmitted Diseases
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