McHenry County Government: Know Your Status And Protect Yourself

Press release from the McHenry County Government:

02/15/2022 12:00 PM

COVID-19 is the top reportable communicable disease in McHenry County, but we cannot forget about other circulating communicable diseases. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are the top reportable communicable disease classification in McHenry County. To protect yourself and reduce the spread of STIs, know your status by getting tested and using condoms consistently and correctly.  

Faithful use of condoms has been shown to reduce the risk of STIs and pregnancy. Condoms are a great protection option because they are cheap, costing about $1 for a male condom and $2 for a female condom, and they are easy to get and use.

Correctly using a condom every time one has sex can greatly reduce the chance of contracting STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and viral hepatitis.  Laboratory studies have shown that the male condom is approximately 98% effective at preventing pregnancy and female condoms are about 95% effective when properly used.

In addition to condoms being used properly, they also must be used before the expiration date on the wrapper, not used with petroleum-based lubricants, stored appropriately (not in wallet or glove compartment), and thrown away if a condom is brittle, stiff, or sticky.

Free or reduced-cost testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV are available through McHenry County Department of Health clinics located in Woodstock and Crystal Lake. Visit MCDH STI Clinic for more information or call (815) 334-4500 to make an appointment for testing or speak to one of our Communicable Disease Nurses.

Everyone deserves a sex life that is safe and healthy. Those who are sexually active should not be embarrassed about practicing safe sex and speaking to their partners about the importance of using condoms to protect against STIs and unintended pregnancies. To learn more about the effectiveness of condoms visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or call (815) 334-4500 and ask to speak to our Communicable Disease Health Educator.

This press release was produced by the McHenry County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.