This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
A Message for Your Captain Winky or Furry Pink Canoe
Blush Response/Flickr
Ladies and gents, we're glad to hear you're taking our advice and getting your naughty bits checked out, but as a result, there are more cases of STDs like chalmydia being reported nationally. Because screening for women has become better, they are reporting three times as many cases as men. According to an AP story (via abc7.com), 2007 saw the most ever reported cases of the "symptomless infection" that can cause infertility in women--1.1 million cases, in fact. Syphilis' numbers "rose modestly," and good ol' gonorrhea "remained roughly the same." Of course, statistics can't account for all the folks who are foolishly keeping it to themselves, but ironically sometimes sharing it with their sexual partners: "The reported cases are just part of the picture. Health officials believe as many as 2.8 million Americans get chlamydia each year."
There's no shame in getting tested; Los Angeles County has a complete STD information and services website, with places you can go to get tested for free. And just to put a little bit of rainbows and sunshine on your private parts vocab, check out the "Take Care Down There" song.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
