LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. - Nearly 20 million new sexually transmitted diseases occur in the U.S. every year and America’s youth shoulder a substantial burden of these infections. CDC estimates that half of all new STDs in the country occur among young men and women aged 15 to 24. STD screening and early diagnoses are essential in preventing transmission and the long-term health consequences of STDs.

The power to protect yourself is in your own hands. Do your homework and know the risks, symptoms and steps you can take to protect yourself from STDs. Talk to your healthcare provider about what you can do to be proactive in safeguarding your sexual health.

Take control of your health:

• Prepare to answer your healthcare provider’s questions about sex honestly.
  
• Get tested – many STDs are curable, and all are treatable.
  
• Get treated – protect yourself from long-term damage to your health by starting treatment immediately.
  
• Communicate, communicate, communicate – with your partner and your healthcare provider.
  

Your local health department offers low-cost, confidential STD testing and treatment. Learn more by visiting www.gnrhealth.com. More information about STDs is available at www.cdc.gov/std.