STI Awareness Week: Tips From DuPage County Health Department

DUPAGE COUNTY — To mark STI Awareness Week, the DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) is encouraging residents to stay up-to-date on STI testing and to openly communicate their statuses to partners.

STI Awareness Week is April 14-April 21. During this time, DCHD reminds residents of important steps in the efforts to control and prevent the spread of STIs. They recommend:

• Talking openly to health care providers and partners about your STI status
• Testing for STIs regularly, as some may be asymptomatic
• Treating STIs as soon as they are detected, abstaining from sexual contact during the treatment

DCHD shared the following in a news release:

"Despite the availability of effective treatments, many cases of STIs remain undiagnosed and untreated, posing significant risks to individuals' health. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, if left untreated, can lead to severe complications such as infertility (inability to become pregnant), ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the womb), stillbirth in infants, and increased risk of HIV transmission."

Additionally, DCHD recommends practicing safe sex regularly, whether through abstinence, using condoms and getting vaccinated for STIs when possible.

Residents can call 630-682-7400 to schedule an STI test with DCHD.