Know the Facts
Article from CDC
False assumptions about sexually transmitted infections, or STIs – how they’re spread, prevented, and treated – are everywhere, and it can be especially hard for people to get the facts. Making sure that you have the correct information about STI prevention and testing has never been more important.
Did you know…?
- STIs impact young people the hardest. In the U.S., almost half of all new infections in 2018 were among people aged 15-24.
- If you are sexually active, you can lower your risk of getting an infection several ways, including by using a condom the right way from start to finish.
- Almost all STIs that can be spread via condomless vaginal sex also can be spread through oral and anal sex without a condom.
- You can’t tell if someone has an STI just by looking at them. Many infections don’t cause any symptoms, so the only way to know for sure if you have an infection is to get tested.
- Even if you use birth control, you should still think about STI prevention. Birth control methods like the pill, patch, ring, and IUD are very effective at preventing pregnancy, but they do not protect against STIs and HIV.
- The most reliable way to avoid STIs is to not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
You also should know that all STIs, even HIV, are treatable, and most are curable. The sooner you get tested, the sooner you can take action to protect your health and the health of your partner(s).
Some STIs can lead to serious health problems if they’re not treated. For example, an untreated STI, like chlamydia, can make it difficult or impossible for a woman to get pregnant. An untreated STI can also increase the chances of transmitting or getting HIV.
- STI tests are quick, simple, and usually painless. For example, rapid HIV tests can provide results from just a swab inside the mouth in only 20 minutes.
- Not all medical checkups include STI testing. Unless you ask to be tested, you can’t assume you have been. Ask your healthcare provider which tests may be right for you.
- Talk to your partner about when you were last tested and suggest getting tested together. And if you have an STI, tell your partner. These conversations may seem hard to have, but open communication with your partner is essential to staying healthy and stopping the spread of STIs. These conversations may also bring you closer together. Here are some tips to help you start the conversation.
- You can find confidential testing near you that is free or low-cost by going to www.gettested.cdc.gov.
Places in Cobleskill to #GYT
The Beard
Wellness Center
Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday
8 am – 4:15 pm
Testicular Cancer Awareness Week
Information from Cancer.gov
Did you know??? Testicular cancer is the number one type of cancer diagnosed in males between the ages of 15 and 34 years old.
What increases my risk of testicular cancer? If you have a history of an undescended testicle, if you have a family history of testicular cancer, or if you are a white male. However, just because you do not meet these criteria does NOT mean you aren’t at risk!
How many people are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year? In 2022 an estimated 9910 men in the U.S. were diagnosed with testicular cancer and 460 people died from testicular cancer.
Is there any good news??? Yes! Testicular cancer actually has one of the highest survival rates of any type of cancer! So, diagnosing it is the first, most important step in treating it.
What are the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer? One symptom of testicular cancer is a lump that is found in the testicle. The lump can be any shape or size. Other symptoms may include pressure, aching, or pain in the testicle. It is also possible to have no symptoms at all. If you notice any of these symptoms, or any other testicular abnormalities, then schedule an appointment as soon as possible with your healthcare provider. Early detection may help to minimize the amount of treatment needed. Unfortunately, there are no regular screening tests for testicular cancer at this time, but hopefully this changes in the future.
If you notice any sign or symptoms of testicular cancer or have an increased risk of testicular cancer, talk to your doctor about further testing that can be done! It could save your life!
The Wellness Center
Call to schedule an appointment
Phone # 518-255-5225 | Fax # 518-255-5819
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
For after-hour emergencies call University Police at 518-255-5555 or 911
UPD Anonymous Tip Line https://secure2.cobleskill.edu/tipline.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Mobile Crisis Assessment Team (MCAT) – 1-877-269-6699 or 1-844-732-6228 (24 hours a day/7 days a week)
If you have a concern about the care you received at the Wellness Center, contact Director Lynn Ontl at 518-255-5225
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