by Justine Deputy, RN, BSN
April is Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) awareness month. Knowledge is key in preventing and decreasing your risk of contracting an STD. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) theme for 2016’s STD awareness month is Talk. Test. Treat.
Talk is one of the most important pieces related to STDs for men and women. Here at The Birth Center, we want you to feel comfortable asking questions and addressing concerns related to STDs. You can be honest and open with all of the providers at The Birth Center. Each certified nurse midwife (CNM) is there to ask you questions, listen to your questions and concerns, and guide you through the process of testing and treatment if necessary. At The Birth Center, we do not judge. Sometimes, STDs can result in fear and anxiety. The midwives provide patients with facts and options related to STDs to decrease stress on patients.
Testing is important if you are sexually active. Specific recommendations for testing can be found here. You always can discuss recommended testing with your CNM at your next visit.
Treatment is essential if any testing comes back positive. The midwives will work with you to prescribe the right treatment.
Here at The Birth Center, your information is confidential and the midwives are there to talk about questions or concerns related to STDs. Our goal is to provide you with the information, knowledge, and treatment to lead a healthy life. Make your appointment today!
Reference
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016). Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/std/sam/