This week, April 14 - April 20, is Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Awareness Week. To protect against STIs, the Norwalk Health Department encourages residents to "Prepare Before You're There."
Preparing ahead of time allows you to be intentional about your sexual health. You can "Prepare Before You're There" by making a game plan:
- Talk to your partner(s) about sex, sexual health, and staying safe and healthy.
- Have condoms handy and use them every time from start to finish when you have sex.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about the options that are best for you including STI screening, medication to prevent HIV, and other questions you have.
- Take the CDC's sexual health quiz to determine your risk for STIs: CDC Sexual Health Quiz
The Health Department encourages anyone who is sexually active to have regular sexual health check-ups and get an STI test every 6 to 12 months, even if in a long-term relationship and using condoms. Test whenever taking on a new sexual partner and more often if someone has multiple sexual partners. The Norwalk Health Department offers STI screening, diagnosis, treatment, education, and referrals through our Sexual Health Clinic on Mondays and Wednesdays by appointment. Please call (203) 854-7776 to schedule an appointment.
Almost half the reported new cases occur among young people aged 15 to 24, but people of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures can be infected with an STI. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in every 5 people in the United States are infected with an STI. The Norwalk Health Department on average serves about 500 people annually through our Sexual Health Clinic.
For more information about STDs and the services provided at the Health Department, visit: Norwalk Health Department STD Information.