Free and Private STD Kits for Women
by Linda Granadino, posted on 2009-06-30 15:07:36
I know this subject is taboo for most of us, but we really need to start addressing our sexual health. According to the website Don'tThinkKnow.org, in 2008, there were 43,431 reported cases of chlamydia and 8,415 reported cases of gonorrhea in Los Angeles County. Of these, 29,463 chlamydia cases and 3,626 gonorrhea cases were in women. The actual number of cases is much higher, because not all cases are reported. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are two common sexually transmitted diseases. You get chlamydia or gonorrhea by having sex (vaginal, oral or anal) with somebody who has them. Most infected people show no signs or symptoms so don't assume, GET TESTED!
Fortunately, Los Angeles County is providing home test kits for females ages 12 to 25 who are sexually active or have had sex in the past. The kit is best for women who want to test at home instead of going to a clinic. The kit is easy to use, its free and private. It is mailed out to you between 3-5 days, includes a cotton swap which you use to swap the inside of your vagina, then you place the cotton swap inside the tube and mail it out (postage is already prepaid) and you wait about a week to get your results from the website or over the phone. I can not emphasize how important it is to get tested. Maybe you think you're “clean” but don't assume you know ALL of your partner's sexual history. I strongly urge you to check out the website Don'tThinkKnow.org, for more information. Plus, I really need to give the County of Los Angeles props for creating this kit. I hope this program can expand to other cities and states.
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