What’s more, the signs for women can also be signs of a whole host of other issues, and don’t necessarily point to having an STI. Many people who are HIV positive won’t show any signs for months or years—and by then valuable time to fight the virus through medication has been lost. Syphilis, or “the great imitator” takes on the characteristics of other infections—and even skin disorders. Second stage Syphilis often manifests itself as a rash on the body, sometimes discovered and diagnosed by dermatologists.
All four of these infections are treatable, and Syphilis, gonorrhea and Chlamydia are all curable, if caught early. Tests for these infections are done through urine and blood, and are non-invasive. They are also inexpensive most places and even free for people who qualify at the health department. There is no reason whatsoever to not get tested at least once a year—or when you change partners.
 Talking with your partner about these issues can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Here are some tips for making it easier:
• Come to the conversation with a goal – knowing what you want to get out of it will make things a lot smoother. Your bottom line is that you and your partner need to get tested for STIs before you start having sex. Making your goal clear - up front - that you both need to get tested before you start having sex, will help kick off the conversation. Another goal is to bring up condoms –as they are the only protection against both STIs and pregnancy prevention.
• Time it right—wait until you have the time and the privacy to properly discuss these issues.
• Don't wait for your partner to bring up getting tested. Someone has to do it, right! So just say “GYT”. It can be as simple as that. Go ahead and take control of your sex life. If you feel awkward, say so. Try “I'm kind of nervous to put this out there…but I've read up and I think it's important that we go get tested together”. Or start out by telling your partner that 1 in every 2 people who are having sex will get an STI by age 25, and most won't know it. Now you can have a conversation about it. You might be surprised - your partner will probably feel relieved that you brought it up.
• Listen to what your partner has to say. If there's no response, go ahead and ask what he/she thinks. This lets you figure out if you are in agreement about things — and if you're not, you can talk about it more. If your partner won't use condoms, for example, you can respond with reasons why you won't have sex without one. If you both agree on using condoms, you can go on the next issue —
getting tested, and why you won't have sex until you both GYT.
• Suggest getting tested together-- Let them know that you have done your research and know where to go. You can each make an appointment and go together.
(www.itsyoursexlife.com/gyt)
For those in Hampton Roads who don’t think they have anything to worry about, here are some local stats that may make you change your mind:
• Eastern Virginia has the highest percentage of people living with HIV/AIDS in the state
• Between 2005 and 2009, Norfolk had the highest rate of Chlamydia in the state and the second-highest rate of gonorrhea in 2009
• 1 in 5 people living with HIV are unaware they’re infected
• Syphilis cases are on the rise every year
For more information, or to get tested, visit our Web site at www.ppsev.org. To learn more about GYT, visit www.itsyoursexlife.com/gyt.
To learn more about Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Virginia, visit www.ppsev.org or call us at 499-PLAN (7536).
Erin Zabel is the director of marketing and public relations for PPSEV. She can be reached at 309-4834 or marketing@ppsev.org. | 
