Skip to Main Content

Take Advantage of Valentine's Day and Get Tested!

Date: 02/14/21

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. While most people will be making valentines and having zoom dates, we want to make sure you celebrate by taking care of your sexual health.

Louisiana has the fifth highest rate of chlamydia and the second highest rate of gonorrhea in the country. Louisiana also ranks second highest in the rate of AIDS cases. This is why it is so important for sexually active people in our state to be tested each year for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV.

Anyone who is sexually active can catch an STI. Using condoms and dams correctly can help reduce your risk of catching an STI. Not all STIs cause symptoms at first, so it’s important to get STI screenings after you have changed sexual partners.

All STIs are different, but here are some possible symptoms STIs can cause:

  • Pain while urinating
  • Sores, blisters, ulcers, warts or rashes on genital area
  • Unusual discharge from penis, vagina or anus
  • Lumps or bumps around genital area
  • Pain in the scrotum or testicles

Remember: Many people who have an STI do not show symptoms and may not be aware they have an infection that can be spread to others. Using protection and getting regular STI check-ups are critical.

Chlamydia and gonorrhea screenings are done by testing a sample of a body fluid, like urine, or by taking a sample from the genitals. The HIV screening is usually done by taking a small blood sample. STI screenings are not always part of your regular checkup or gynecological exam. Be sure to request the STI screenings and be honest about your sex life with your doctor. This will help your doctor determine which tests are right for you.

Your doctor can perform the STI screenings you request. You can also find a free, fast and confidential testing center near you by using this tool from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). You do not have to enter any personal information to use the tool—you only need to provide your zip code or your city and state. The tool will tell you where to find free, confidential testing centers in your area.

If you need assistance scheduling a doctor’s appointment to follow up on an STI screening, we’re here to help! If you need to locate a doctor near you, try our free, online Provider Locator tool. You can also call Member Services at 1-866-595-8133 (Hearing Loss: 711) between 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday-Friday, for help finding a doctor or changing your doctor.

And don’t forget—as a Louisiana Healthcare Connections member, you can also schedule a free ride to your doctor’s appointment, even to urgent care! Find out more here!

Reminder: Louisiana Healthcare Connections members receive $10 on their rewards card for completing screenings for chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV each year!

If you are diagnosed with an STI, let your sexual partners know and encourage them to visit a clinic for testing and treatment. Medical treatment can cure some STIs or help relieve symptoms for others. For more information about STIs and how to get tested, visit https://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/page/919.