Residents across Louisiana are being encouraged to prioritize their health by getting screened for sexually transmitted infections as part of routine preventive care.
During February, awareness efforts are highlighting the importance of STI screenings, especially as infection rates continue to rise across the state. Many sexually transmitted infections can develop without noticeable symptoms, making regular testing an important step in protecting long-term health.
“With rising infection rates, it is critical that sexually active individuals get screened regularly,” said Dr. Stewart Gordon, Chief Medical Officer of Louisiana Healthcare Connections. “STIs are often asymptomatic, so routine testing is an important part of maintaining overall health.”
Untreated STIs can lead to serious health complications, including infertility, increased risk of HIV transmission, and complications during pregnancy. In some cases, infections such as syphilis can be passed to infants, leading to severe health outcomes.
Health experts recommend that sexually active individuals receive annual screenings for common infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV. These screenings are not always included in routine checkups, so individuals are encouraged to request testing during their healthcare visits.
Access to testing is available through healthcare providers as well as community-based and public health resources. Tools are also available to help individuals locate free and confidential testing sites within their communities.
Incentive programs may be available to support preventive care, including rewards for completing recommended screenings.
By increasing awareness and encouraging routine testing, these efforts aim to reduce the spread of infections and support healthier outcomes for individuals and communities across Louisiana.