Blog — Testing

How do you know if you have an STI? That’s a difficult question to answer, because there are many STIs with different symptoms for each. The best way to know for sure is to be tested by your doctor, but they even have home tests you can take these days. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that there are about 20 million cases of sexually transmitted diseases or infections per year. Roughly half of those occur in people of the age of 15 to 24. The most common symptoms of many STIs include burning or painful sensation...

The following statistics will be using gendered language because most testicular cancer statistics come from cases of cisgender males. However, anyone who has testicles can use the self-check recommendations below. If you are worried about your health or have further questions, please talk to your doctor. We are not doctors and thus cannot give medical advice. Testicular cancer is no joke, and can be deadly if not treated early. About 1 out of every 250 men and boys will be diagnosed with testicular cancer during their lifetime. This specific cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed in young adult...

Three common STDs—chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis—are surging across the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Young people are especially hard-hit. In fact, because reported cases only account for a fraction of the national burden, CDC estimates 15-24-year olds account for half of all new sexually transmitted infections each year. Texas is no exception. In 2018 alone, there were 93,136 reported cases of chlamydia, 23,403 reported cases of gonorrhea, and 2,976 reported cases of syphilis among this same age group. “The consequences of STDs are especially severe for young people,” said Gail Bolan, M.D., director of CDC’s Division of STD Prevention. “Because chlamydia and gonorrhea...