19 million people in the US contract an STD each year, most without showing symptoms. There is no way to visually determine who has an STD, so testing is needed. 1 in 4 teenage girls in the US has an STD by age 19, putting their partners at risk too. Common STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes often show no symptoms but can have long term health impacts if left untreated. Getting regularly tested, even without symptoms, helps detect infections early to prevent further spread and health issues.

1. 19 million people contract an STD each year in the United States alone… Most of these people do NOT show signs or symptoms of infection…

2. There is no way to look and tell who has an STD…

3. Do You Know if You Are Infected with an STD? If you have not been tested, YOU DON’T.

4. Of course, there are risky behaviors: Having unprotected sex of any kind Sharing needles Working around bio-hazardous materials without taking safety precautions Having sex with more than one partner “Oh, well I don’t do that…” Do you know everywhere your partner has been?

5. But What About Privacy? You can test for many STDs, including HIV/AIDS, at home You can use an anonymous testing service Your doctor is not legally permitted to disclose your medical information – including your tests – without your consent.* *according to several AIDS action groups, regular testing should not, but sometimes does, impact insurance approval. If you are concerned, you can test anonymously or at home for this STD.

6. Reasons to Get Tested: Many STDs can be treated and cured, but cause irreversible damage or death if left undetected and untreated. Many “minor” infections can kill an unborn baby. You could add years to your life if you detect HIV or hepatitis early and begin fighting it now. Many STDs are associated with higher risk of catching HIV/AIDS If you are infected and spread the disease, your actions could play a role in the sickness and/or death of others, including loved ones.

7. Wondering if you should get tested? Think you’re too young to be worried? 1 in every 4 teenage girls (3.2 million) in the U.S. has at least one STD by the time she is 19 years old…

8. …This puts every sexual partner she ever has at risk. But girls and women are not the only ones in jeopardy. While more women than men have STDs, it is far easier for men to transmit the infection. At least half of infected men will never know they are infected due to lack of symptoms, but may experience infertility and impotence as well as jeopardizing the health of children and loved ones – not to mention their own – if they fail to receive a diagnosis.

9. So What are My Testing Options? You can test at homeMake sure you use an FDA-approved kit or your results are meaningless. You can test at a clinic or outreach centerThis provides total anonymity and counseling throughout the process. You can test at your doctor’s officeThis gives you a familiar, trusted environment and an expert who knows you to help you throughout the process.

10. What Should I be Tested For? In most cases, people get tested for the “big six,” the 6 STDs that are most common and require immediate treatment: HIV/AIDS Syphilis Gonorrhea Hepatitis Herpes (oral and genital) Chlamydia Ask your doctor about additional testing.

11. Remember, Time is of the Essence. It is not just your health at risk, but the health and lives of the people that you love.