ESTHER L. BUSH
STI Awareness
Your Health topic is about the awareness of STIs (also known as sexually transmitted infections). This topic is often taboo, but sexual health, much like mental health, must be understood if we are to be advocates for our own health. You might be wondering why we’re calling them “sexually transmitted infections” instead of “sexually transmitted diseases.” Experts explain that identifying these health issues as infections is more accurate because it’s the infection that starts first; when an infection is left untreated, it may progress to a disease. Knowledge is power, and when it comes to your health, being informed can only lead to better outcomes.
No one can ignore history when discussing STIs. As we have mentioned many times in our articles, the U.S. Public Health Service Syphilis Study at Tuskegee was an abuse of the African American men in the study. The study was designed to observe what untreated syphilis does to the body. Although the men were told they were receiving treatment, they were not, even though penicillin was available and widely used at the time. The men were never informed of the true intent of the study and never consented to be left untreated for the infection. The men suffered, and some unknowingly passed the STI to other people.
When discussing infections and diseases, we must not forget history. But it’s important to realize how far we have come in treating and preventing STIs/STDs.
Now, rigorous safeguards have been put in place to prevent unethical practices in research studies, allowing everyone to receive appropriate treatment. These protections have helped improve the Black community’s trust of biomedical research. This trust has encouraged more people of color to participate in research studies.
Education plays a huge role in lowering STI rates, especially with our youths. Young men and women without educational resources often struggle with the issues regarding sexually transmitted infections. Honest discussions about sexuality, STIs and preventions between young people and trusted adults can offset these disadvantages. Though such conversations can be uncomfortable at any age, teaching our youths will increase the likelihood of them having healthier futures.
Sharing information about healthy sexuality helps strengthen the health of our community. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, action items like abstinence, vaccination and using condoms are proven and effective ways to protect yourself and your partner. You do not have to be alone in searching for prevention education. Reliable resources like the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh’s Health Education office are able to share information and guide people in the right direction. By learning more about STIs, you can take charge of your health.
Esther L. Bush, President and CEO
Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh
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