Take steps to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections

SANTA FE – New Mexicans can take preventative steps to protect themselves from sexually-transmitted infections (STIs).

April 13-19 marks STI Awareness Week and the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is raising awareness about STI prevention, treatment and testing.

STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, are viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites that occur through sexual contact and exchange of bodily fluids. Some STIs are asymptomatic but can still be passed to other persons through sex.

STIs don’t always cause symptoms or may only cause mild symptoms so it is possible to have an infection and not know it. That is why getting an STI test is important if you are having sex. If you receive a positive STI diagnosis, know that all are treatable with medicine and some are entirely curable.

“In New Mexico, we are particularly concerned about congenital syphilis,” said Janine Waters, STD Program Manager for NMDOH. “In 2023 there was a 20% increase in congenital syphilis cases and 16 fetal deaths were reported.”

Congenital syphilis occurs when a mother transmits syphilis to her baby during pregnancy or at delivery. This can lead to severe health issues for the baby, including stillbirth or serious infections.

There are resources available for people who want to prevent or treat STI’s:

• NMHIVGuide.org helps New Mexicans find testing services and treatment options, through location-specific guides and searches.  
• Take Me Home, is a partnership organization that enables free, discreet, and in-home sexual health tests, as well as basic support sources following a possible positive result.   
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also provides an online, location-based, testing search via GetTested.

If you are sexually active, you can do the following things to lower your chances of getting STDs and HIV:

• Get vaccinated against Hepatitis B and HPV, if appropriate.  
• Use a new condom, consistently and correctly, for every act of vaginal, anal, and oral sex throughout the entire sex act (from start to finish).  
• Reduce the number of people with whom you have sex.  
• Consider a harm reduction approach of less drug and alcohol use before and during sex.  
• Have an honest and open talk with your healthcare provider and ask whether you should be tested for STIs and HIV.

Prioritize the health of yourself and your loved ones and start the conversation. More information on STI’s and STD’s can be found through the CDC and on nmhealth.org.

Media Contact

We would be happy to provide additional information about this press release. Simply contact David Barre at (505) 699-9237 (Office) with your questions.

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Adopte medidas para protegerse de las infecciones de transmisión sexual