Chlamydia: What I need to know Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. You can have chlamydia and show no signs. Rarely do men have health problems from chlamydia. In rare cases, it can lead to infertility. If you are having sex and younger than age 25, get tested! Studies have seen a higher risk of cervical cancer in women whose blood tests and cervical mucus showed past or current chlamydia infection. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Office on Women’s Health; UpToDate HIV: How much do you know about testing? HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It weakens a person’s immune system by killing important cells that fight off disease and infection. HIV is 114% higher than 20 years ago in Kern County. About 1 in 6 people with HIV do not know they have it. An HIV infection may not cause any warning signs at first. This means the only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. Knowing your HIV status gives you strong information to stay healthy. If you do test positive, getting care right away can help keep the virus under control for many years. It can also lower your chances of passing the virus on to someone else, even during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges that any person who is 13 to 64 years old get tested for HIV at least once. To get tested, please talk to your KFHC doctor. Cervical cancer and HPV Almost all cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common virus that can be passed from one person to another during sex. Some HPV types can cause changes to a woman’s cervix that can lead to cervical cancer over time. Other types can cause genital or skin warts. Getting a Pap smear test, an HPV test, or a combination helps protect you. Most people should start at age 21. Ask your doctor what’s right for you. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Office on Women’s Health; UpToDate GET TESTED, get a reward! FAMILY HEALTH 7
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