Love Safely & Protect Your Valentine

by Catherine Davie

Feeling the love this Valentine’s Day? If so, love safely!

The most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis and HIV. All can be transmitted sexually; HIV can also be transmitted through sharing needles, and has other long-term health implications.

STD rates are highest among transgender women, twice that of gay and bisexual men, the next most commonly affected group. There is also a high infection rate among crystal meth users. A staggering 24% of new HIV infections occur in those individuals who have used crystal meth in the past year. Crystal meth users are over two times as likely to test positive for gonorrhea as others.

The Center is one of the most comprehensive STD testing sites in L.A. County, offering free same-day testing at two locations in Los Angeles. “It is important that everyone know that the Center can take care of them, regardless of health care coverage or financial status,” says Dustin Kerrone, the director of the Center’s HIV/STD testing services “We can ensure that everyone will be tested and treated no matter what their personal situation is.”

STDs | What to Do

1. Get tested every three to four months if you’re sexually active.
2. Get medical treatment immediately if you’re experiencing symptoms.
3. STDs, especially HIV, are often contracted with gay/bisexual males’ primary partners. Always use protection.
4. If you think you may have contracted HIV, the Center offers post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment – if given within 72 hours, it reduces the chance of being infected by 75%.
5. Know the facts. Visit lagaycenter.org/STD to learn more about the STDs above and others.

Get tested at the Center: freetesting.org