- Categories:
- Health
- Tags:
- AwarenessHealth
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every April
- Holiday emoji:
- 🎗️
National Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Education and Awareness Month is observed throughout April. This month-long initiative aims to reduce the stigma surrounding STIs and increase public awareness about prevention, testing, and treatment. Learn more about sexual health, get tested, and advocate for comprehensive education.
History of National Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Education and Awareness Month
It was during the Italian War of 1494 — 1498 that a sickness, now known as ‘syphilis,’ spread among French troops. Over five million people died as a result of the first known lethal sickness. It wasn’t until the sixteenth century that the term “Gonorrhea” was coined, and its origins can be traced back to a prostitute-infested area of Paris called “Le Clapiers.”
The first volunteer hospital for venereal illnesses was established in 1746 at the London Lock Hospital, but no serious pharmacological therapies for STDs existed until then. The ‘Brussels Agreement’ was signed in 1924 by several countries, which pledged to provide free or low-cost medical care at ports for merchant seamen with venereal diseases.
‘Salvarsan,’ a medication for syphilis, was the first effective treatment for sexually transmitted diseases. In the 1960s and 1970s, public health campaigns against STIs and the discovery of antibiotics led to a popular view that STIs were no longer a concern to public health, and this was largely due to the widespread availability of antibiotics. Around 1969, HIV/Aids made its way to the U.S. Sexually transmitted diseases that could not be healed by modern medicine first came to public attention in the 1980s with the appearance of genital herpes and then Aids. When it became clear that Aids was on the verge of becoming a global epidemic, public awareness efforts were launched, and medicines were developed to keep HIV replication at bay for as long as possible.
Contact tracing was also acknowledged as an important part of the treatment of STIs. Health organizations and STI clinics were able to effectively control infections in the general population by tracking the sexual partners of affected individuals, testing them for infection, treating the infected, and monitoring their contacts.
National Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Education and Awareness Month timeline
An infectious disease breaks out among French troops during the Italian War.
The London Lock Hospital begins to treat victims of these infectious diseases.
Effective treatment for syphilis is successfully developed.
Aids begins to spread across Europe.
National Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Education and Awareness Month FAQs
When is National Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Education and Awareness Month?
In 2027, this vital awareness month will again take place throughout April. The focus remains on reducing stigma and promoting accessible resources for testing and treatment.
How many people are affected by STIs in the U.S.?
The CDC estimates that nearly one in five people in the U.S. had an STI on any given day in 2018, totaling 68 million infections. This highlights the ongoing public health challenge STIs present.
How common are STIs in the U.S.?
The prevalence of STIs in the U.S. remains high, with the CDC reporting that rates of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia have been increasing for several years. This makes awareness and prevention efforts critically important.
What is the difference between an STI and an STD?
While often used interchangeably, ‘STI’ is a broader term referring to the presence of an infection that can be transmitted sexually. An ‘STD’ implies that the infection has progressed to cause noticeable symptoms or health problems.
How to Observe National Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Education and Awareness Month
Create awareness
Share information about STIs on social media. Create educational posts about the risks and join campaigns aimed at educating people on the need to practice safe sex.
Discuss STIs with family and friends
Talk to your friends and family about STIs and share useful tips on how to stay protected. Infections can easily spread within the home, which is why everyone needs to take equal measures to stay protected.
Get tested for STIs
Once an individual is sexually active, there’s always a risk of being exposed to an STI. This is why regular checks are necessary and important.
5 Important Facts About STIs
Condoms don’t provide total protection
Condoms don't protect against genital herpes, which is the most common STI.
The infection rate is very high
According to the World Health Organization, there are one million STIs acquired on a daily basis.
Some STIs have very mild symptoms
Some STIs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, don't have any symptoms, but they can still make it hard to get pregnant.
There are about 25 known STIs
There are more than 25 diseases that can be spread sexually.
Some STIs are easier to treat
STIs caused by bacteria are usually easier to treat, but viral infections can be managed but not always cured.
Why National Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Education and Awareness Month is Important
It creates more public awareness
Different campaigns are held to educate people about the consequences of untreated STIs. It’s a great opportunity to increase awareness.
It reduces stigma
It helps to break the stigma around STIs and allows people to talk more openly about them. Support groups and health foundations create forums dedicated to helping victims and answering questions from the public.
There’s a ton of useful information
This month promotes safe sex practices and provides information about how to get tested for STIs. Social media and technology also make it easy to share information globally and sensitize even more people.
