According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), nearly 20 million new sexually transmitted infections occur every year. Open communication with a healthcare provider is a key element to maintaining sexual health and avoiding STI's.

The Institutes of Medicine have referred to STI's in America as "the silent epidemic" because of the secrecy and shame often associated with these infections. However, silence has proven to not be an effective strategy. Sexual healthcare conversations may not be the most comfortable to have, however, it is very important to provide a thorough sexual history to a doctor.

Based on individual history, a physician can best determine which STI tests are reasonable, even when there are no symptoms.

This is critical because it is possible to have an STI but not have any symptoms. If left untreated, those infections can lead to serious and sometimes permanent health issues.

According to the CDC website, women with untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease which can lead to ectopic pregnancy or infertility.

In men, these infections can each cause a painful condition in the tubes attached to the testicles. In rare cases, this can lead to sterility. Untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea may also increase the chances of getting or giving HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Conversely, when diagnosed, all STI's can be treated any many can be completely cured with no long term adverse effects.

Visit http://app.mil.relayhealth.com or call 72944 to make an appointment and have a conversation about your sexual health with a provider.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

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