Afraid of STD Testing? Standard STD Tests Only Require A Urine Sample
Misinformation and stigma about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), why people get tested and what is involved in an STD test has led many young people to fear the process. Yet, because most STDs show no symptoms, getting tested is the only way to know for sure if someone has an STD.
In preparation for STD Awareness Month, the Adolescent Health Project, an initiative of the Women’s Fund of Omaha, is flushing fear down the drain and providing facts about STD testing. Urinal cakes, posters in public restrooms and clings on bathroom mirrors will provide young people with messages about standard STD testing, which requires only a urine sample.
“Youth, ages 15 to 24, continue to have the most reported cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea,” said Brenda J. Council, Women’s Fund of Omaha Adolescent Health Project Manager. “We are working to reduce the fears of STD testing by sharing the facts and increasing access to free, easy and confidential testing and treatment through our 10 partners throughout Douglas County.”
The campaign materials target males and will be featured in restrooms at the three main Metro Community College campuses, Westroads Mall, Oakview Mall, Marcus Midtown Cinema, local bars and workout facilities, among other locations. The goal is to encourage males to get tested and to ease fears by letting them know that standard STD testing is as simple as providing a urine sample.
“Education plus access is what our young people need,” said Council. “In the past quarter, adolescent males represented less than 33 percent of those getting tested for STDs in Douglas County. Testing and treatment are free, and all of the services are confidential. With access to affordable, compassionate health care, young people have the opportunity to know their status and take charge of their sexual health.”
This campaign is part of a multi-year series of engaging, youth-oriented public service campaigns, produced by the Adolescent Health Project, an initiative of the Women’s Fund of Omaha.
Information about where to access free STD testing and treatment, as well as free condoms, is available online at GetAccessGranted.com. For additional information and ongoing conversations, follow the @Access.Granted on Instagram using the hashtag #UrineLuck.