The Dock works to prevent the spread of STDs
The Centers for Disease Control released a report saying in 2016 Americans were infected with 2 million new cases of gonorrhea, syphilis and Chlamydia. That’s the highest number of sexually transmitted diseases ever reported. That trend has local health professionals on high alert, especially at the Desert AIDs Project’s sexual health clinic “The Dock.”
“We do HIV testing, gonorrhea, syphilis and Chlamydia treatment. And we also help people to get onto pre-exposure prophylaxis which prevents you from getting HIV if you’re HIV negative,” said Bruce Weiss, the director of community health at DAP.
Weiss said he’s seen an increase in the number of sexually transmitted diseases here in the Coachella Valley.
“We have a much higher rate of gonorrhea, syphilis and Chlamydia than nationally or even the state of California. It’s a real issue for us and we just need to divert appropriate resources to address these epidemics,” Weiss said.
Which is why he said having a conversation about STDs is important.
“Many people are uncomfortable talking abut these topics with their medical provider. And unless they have symptoms that tell them they need to get this treated, and many people do not have symptoms, so unless they do and they talk about it with someone, that’s one issue,” Weiss said.
He said the best thing anyone who is sexually active can do, get tested.
“If you’re having sexual relations with multiple people then you should get tested on a regular basis. If you are consistently having sexual relations with multiple people you should get tested every three months,” Weiss said.
As far as prevention goes, Weiss said the best form of protection is condoms. At least half of the new reports of STDs are for people between the ages of 15 and 24. Which is why Weiss said it’s important to talk to your kids about these diseases.
“Parents need to be comfortable. You don’t need to ask your kids what they’re doing. You just need to have that conversation,” Weiss said.
If left untreated STDs can cause an increased risk of getting HIV, long term pelvic pain and the inability to get pregnant.
To find out more about resources available at The Dock visit their website.
