Atlanta, GA – March 28, 2011 - April is Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Awareness Month. The Georgia Association of Physician Assistants (GAPA) is taking this opportunity to raise public awareness about the impact of STDs on the lives of Georgians and the importance of discussing sexual health with their medical providers and partners.

STDs remain a major public health challenge in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that there are approximately 19 million new STD infections each year, which costs the U.S. healthcare system $16.4 billion annually and costs individuals even more in terms of acute and long-term health consequences.

There are many kinds of sexually transmitted diseases and infections. And they are more common than is perceived by the public; more than half of patients seen by health care providers in Georgia will get one at some time in their lives. The good news is that patients can protect themselves and each other from STDs. For those who are sexually active, practicing safer sex reduces the risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases. For those who are considered high risk (by engaging in casual sex or having multiple partners), it is important to get tested in order to alleviate symptoms, prevent transmission and to receive the proper treatment so that additional health issues do not develop as a result of an untreated STD. Not knowing or caring can be a bigger detriment to one’s well-being than most understand.

Ways to Prevent Contracting STDs

Georgia’s PAs want patients to understand that they should not be afraid to ask a new sex partner if he or she has an STD, has been exposed to one, or has any unexplained physical symptoms. Patients are urged not to have unprotected sex if their partner has signs or symptoms of STDs, such as sores, rashes, or discharge from the genital area. Many common STDs have no symptoms but can still be transmitted to a sexual partner. STD education also includes informing patients that if their sexual partner has had sexual relations with someone else recently, he or she may have an STD, even if there are no symptoms.

Here are some additional tips GAPA wants patients to know relating to STD awareness:

· Use a new condom (see below) for each act of intercourse. Correct and consistent use of latex condoms and other barriers can reduce the risk of transmission only when the infected area or site of potential exposure is protected.

· Get regular checkups for STDs (even if you show no symptoms) and be familiar with the common symptoms. Most STDs are readily treated, and the earlier treatment is sought and sex partners are notified, the less likely the disease will do irreparable damage.

· The most reliable ways to avoid becoming infected with or transmitting STDs are:

a. Abstain from sexual intercourse (i.e., oral, vaginal, or anal sex)

b. Be in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner

c. Use latex male condoms. When used consistently and correctly, they can reduce the risk of transmission of some of the most common STDs.

It is the mission of the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants to promote high quality, cost-effective, accessible health care as part of a physician-directed PA/physician team in Georgia. Visit GAPA.net and click on the “Find a PA” button to locate a PA provider in your area. To learn more health tips or how PAs make health care more affordable and accessible in Georgia, please visit GAPA.net and click on “Patients.”