By now, we’re all aware of the importance of sexual consent. We’re more open than ever when it comes to talking about sexual orientation, casual sex, and common sex issues. In saying that, there much to be desired when it comes to the conversation surrounding our status; in turn, having real implications on the next generation, the ‘Yes Means Test’ campaign from the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA) argues.
In fact, per the CDC, the rise in rates of sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia and gonorrhea are alarming — at an unprecedented high. Even more shocking, Black women are 5.4 times more likely to have chlamydia than White women. African American men are 6.8 times more likely to have chlamydia than White men.
Furthermore, 42 percent of reported gonorrhea cases occur in Black people. That means our community is 9.6 times more likely to contract chlamydia than others.
So, why is it that 1 in 2 sexually active people get an STD by the age of 25? Research indicated that fewer than 12 percent of young people admit they’ve been tested in the past year.
“America’s worsening STD epidemic is a clear call for better diagnosis, treatment, and prevention,” Jonathan Mermin, M.D., director of CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Prevention said in a press release. “STDs affect people in all walks of life, particularly young women and men, but these data suggest an increasing burden among gay and bisexual men.”
That’s why the American Sexual Health Association has launched “YES Means TEST.