Many of us have heard the phrase “April Showers bring May Flowers.” Along with providing rain, the month of April also serves as the designated month to bring awareness to Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

STDs are infectious diseases that spread from person to person through intimate contact including oral and anal sex. STDs can affect men and women of all ages, ranks and backgrounds. However, STDs are usually reported amongst adolescents and adults under the age of 25, gay or bisexual men and some racial and ethnic minorities.

Every year, there are an estimated 20 million new STD infections in the United States. Some of the most common STDs include chlamydia and gonorrhea. Although both infections can be cured with antibiotic treatment, some STDs such as HIV/AIDS and genital herpes cannot be cured.

The good news is STDs are 100 percent preventable, and prevention starts with you. If you are sexually active, or thinking of becoming sexually active, it is important that you ‘Talk. Test. Treat.’ to prevent STDs.

Talk openly and honestly with your partner about your sexual health and use condoms correctly.

Get Tested for STDs as it is the only way to know for sure if you have been affected. Many people with an STD do not display any visible symptoms, therefore, getting tested is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health.

Lastly, seek Treatment promptly if you test positive for an STD. Delayed treatment can cause other health effects and also increase your chance of passing it along to your partner.

For more information on how you can Talk. Test. Treat., visit: http://www.cdc.gov/std/sam/2016-individuals.htm.