Sexual health is deeply personal—and for many, it’s also confusing. Whether it’s fear of judgment, uncertainty about symptoms, or simply not knowing where to go for help, too many people put off getting tested or having honest conversations about their sexual well-being.
But avoiding the topic doesn’t make it go away. In fact, it can lead to long-term health complications and continued spread of infections that are often treatable. That’s why STI Awareness Month—observed every April—is so important. It’s a reminder that knowledge is power, and that taking charge of your sexual health is nothing to be ashamed of.
At +MEDRITE Urgent Care, we offer judgment-free, walk-in STI testing and treatment options designed to meet you where you are. Whether you’ve never been tested or it’s been a while, this month is the perfect time to start.
What Is STI Awareness Month?
STI Awareness Month, also known as STD Awareness Month, is part of broader April awareness month health initiatives. Spearheaded by national organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA), the goal is to provide education, encourage prevention, and normalize STI testing across all communities.
Each year, STI Awareness Month highlights:
- Education: Sharing facts and resources about common STIs, prevention methods, and risks
- Prevention: Promoting regular testing, vaccination (like for HPV), and safer sex practices
- Normalization: Helping individuals see STI testing as routine—not taboo
To learn more, explore these helpful resources:
Why STIs Still Matter in 2025: Key Stats and Myths
STIs remain one of the most common and under-discussed public health concerns. The CDC’s most recent data reported more than 2.5 million combined cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis in a single year.
Here’s what you should know:
- Chlamydia is the most reported STI, especially among young adults.
- HPV (human papillomavirus) affects the majority of sexually active people at some point.
- Gonorrhea is showing signs of increasing resistance to antibiotics.
STD awareness is essential to reversing these trends, and that begins with busting common myths:
Myth: Only people with multiple partners are at risk.
Fact: Anyone who is sexually active can contract an STI.
Myth: I’d know if I had an STI.
Fact: Many STIs have no symptoms. Routine testing is the only way to know.
Myth: Older adults don’t need to worry about STIs.
Fact: STI rates are rising among adults over 40 due to changing relationship norms and lack of screening.
By boosting STD awareness and replacing fear with facts, more people can take charge of their sexual health with confidence.
Understanding Common STIs and Risk Factors
A core part of STI awareness is understanding what these infections are—and how they affect people. Many STIs are easily treatable when caught early, but they often go undetected because they don’t cause immediate symptoms.
Common STIs to Know
- Chlamydia: Often asymptomatic; can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility if untreated.
- Gonorrhea: Can affect the genitals, rectum, and throat; increasingly showing resistance to antibiotics.
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus): The most common STI; some strains can cause genital warts or lead to cervical cancer.
- Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2): Causes outbreaks of painful sores; remains in the body and can be transmitted even when symptoms aren’t visible.
- Syphilis: Progresses through stages and can become life-threatening if not treated.
One of the most important points of STD awareness is that anyone who is sexually active—regardless of age, gender, or number of partners—is at some level of risk. Transmission often occurs through asymptomatic carriers, meaning a person can pass an infection without knowing they have it. That’s why routine testing and open conversations with providers matter so much.
STI Awareness Week: A Focused Opportunity to Get Tested
STI Awareness Week, held during the second full week of April, is a key part of STI Awareness Month. It serves as a national reminder to prioritize sexual health—not just for yourself, but for your partners and community.
Many people delay testing because they don’t feel sick. But STIs often show no symptoms, especially in their early stages. This makes it easy for infections to spread quietly, even in committed relationships. Regular screenings are the best way to stay informed, healthy, and proactive.
At +MEDRITE, we make STI testing quick, confidential, and easy to access. You can walk in or schedule a discreet appointment—no judgment, no hassle.
STI Testing and How +MEDRITE Helps
Despite growing sti awareness campaigns, many people still avoid getting tested. Some fear being judged or labeled. Others worry about cost, confidentiality, or just not knowing what to expect.
At +MEDRITE, we’re actively working to break down those barriers by offering:
- Walk-in availability with no appointment necessary
- Private, respectful testing environments
- Transparent pricing and insurance acceptance
- Trusted staff trained to offer support without shame
With urgent care centers across New York, New Jersey, Florida, and beyond, access to testing is closer than you think. Whether it’s your first time getting tested or you’re returning for peace of mind, we’re here to make the process simple and stigma-free.
Ready to take the next step? Find your nearest location.
Your Role in STI Awareness: Prevention and Education
One of the most powerful ways to support STI awareness is by making prevention and open conversation a regular part of life. Protecting yourself and others doesn’t require perfection—it just takes informed, consistent action.
Simple Ways to Practice Prevention
- Use condoms or dental dams during all forms of sexual activity
- Get tested regularly, even if you don’t have symptoms or think you’re at risk
- Talk openly with your partner(s) about STI testing and sexual history
- Stay up to date on vaccines like HPV and hepatitis B
These steps not only protect your own health but also help break the stigma that keeps others silent. Normalize STI conversations with friends and partners. Share what you’ve learned. Lead by example.
Sexual Health Week, held in tandem with STI Awareness Week, is a perfect opportunity to reflect, reset, and encourage others to take their health seriously. Building a culture of openness starts with one person—you.
Take Action: Your Next Steps Toward Sexual Health
Whether you’re overdue for a test or just learning more about STIs, now is the time to act. At +MEDRITE, we’re here to support you every step of the way—with judgment-free care, confidential testing, and same-day availability.
Here’s how to get started:
- Walk in or schedule an appointment at your nearest +MEDRITE location
- Prepare any questions you have for your provider—no concern is too small
- Follow up on your results and make testing a part of your regular health routine
Taking one small step today—whether it’s booking a test, having a conversation, or reading up on symptoms—can lead to peace of mind and a healthier future.
Your health matters. Your voice matters. And we’re here to help you feel confident and supported through it all.