NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (April 23, 2019) – According to the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center, “at least 9,982 active duty Sailors and Marines were diagnosed with chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphilis in 2018. An active duty Sailor or Marine is diagnosed with HIV every five days, and 45 percent of enlisted female Sailors say their last pregnancy while in the Navy was unplanned.”

To combat these high numbers of sexually-transmitted infections (STI) and unplanned pregnancies in the Navy, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73)’s preventative medicine division, a part of the medical department, aims to keep its Sailors informed about their sexual health.

“Empowerment through information,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Chamu Chimhau, from Harare, Zimbabwe and a preventive medicine technician assigned to the medical department. “We aim to reaffirm what many may already know, but definitely inform and educate with the goal of empowering all Sailors to help make responsible decisions regarding their sexual health.”

In addition, Sailors looking to educate themselves on their sexual health and the various methods available to them should stop by the preventative medicine office on the Floating Accommodation Facility (FAF). The preventative medicine office is located in room 232 and is open from 8:15 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

“Always practice safe sex,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Laura Davis, from Heavener, Oklahoma, a preventative medicine technician assigned to the medical department. “Know your partner. Both partners are responsible for safe sex, so females should carry some type of protection as well. Avoid sexual encounters when under the influence of alcohol and abstinence is the only 100 percent way to avoid getting an STI.”

Chimhau agrees that being well-informed about the potential infections that may result from sexual contact and the available measures to prevent or minimize the risk of exposure is extremely important for Sailors.

With being informed, one of the best options for Sailors is to be aware of the signs of an STI and know that starting treatment early, if they are showing signs of having an STI, is important for their overall sexual health.

“Early signs of infection are typically discomfort with urination or some bumps and lesions in the groin area,” said Chimhau. “Any Sailor who suspects that they may have been exposed to an infection or might be having the signs and symptoms should definitely stop by medical and speak to a preventive medicine technician or any one of the providers.”

Getting tested for STIs frequently is crucial to reducing their prevalence and spread.

“Generally, Sailors should get tested at least once a year, but that varies greatly based on sexual lifestyle and risk of STI exposure,” said Chimhau.

Davis agrees that Sailors should get tested whenever they switch sexual partners or upon entering a new relationship.

On top of using the resources provided by George Washington’s medical department, Sailors also can research information about sexual health on various government websites.

“The CDC website, www.CDC.gov, is a good place for information about STIs,” said Davis.

Sailors looking for more information on staying safe and protected during sex can visit https://www.med.navy.mil for more information about sexual health.

“General health, and sexual health specifically, is central to being able to pursue, achieve and enjoy the many things life has to offer, so getting well-educated and informed about sexual health matters,” said Chimhau.

Join the conversation with GW online at www.facebook.com/USSGW and www.twitter.com/GW_CVN73. For more news from USS George Washington, visit www. Navy.mil/local/cvn73/.

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