Xavier Aguilar 
RIO GRANDE VALLEY – Sexual health and wellness involves being physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially healthy, including the ability to enjoy and express it safely.
Sexually transmitted diseases and infections are some common consequences that may arise from the lack of sexual health and wellness.
According to the Center for Disease Control Surveillance 2020 report. Gonorrhea increased by 45% from 2016, syphilis by 52 percent, and though chlamydia decreased by 1.2 percent. STDs remain a significant public health crisis
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Dora Martinez, says it is important to acknowledge sexual wellness although it may be considered taboo.
“It’s part of, you know, most human being’s life, and it’s not just about a lack of disease or proper function,” says Martinez, “It’s important mentally. Emotionally, yes, and physically as well, and it’s just a part of health,” said Martinez.
Some individuals may have an STD and be asymptomatic causing the spread of the disease to other sexual partners.
Though some STDs can be cured with simple antibiotics, others such as herpes and HIV, have no cure.
With a lack of testing these diseases issues may lead to several health issues such as genital pain, discharge, infertility, or death.
Dr. Martinez mentions that on average one in seven Americans have HIV and don’t know it.
“If I don’t know what I have and I don’t know what I take care of myself, I’m just helping to propagate it. Right. I’m helping to spread potential illness and disease, and it’s not always without consequences,” says Martinez.
Health Education Coordinator for UTRGV Eddie Quintanilla encourages STD testing to be a routine part of maintaining one’s health.
“And again, it should be the norm. It’s just like, okay, I want to get tested for my diabetes because I’m diabetic and I need to get tested. Should I go to the doctor every three months for a general checkup or any changes in my health, especially my sexual health, especially if I’ve been sexually active.
Testing locations for UTRGV students are available on both campuses. The Valley Aids Council also has three testing locations in the valley.
UT HEALTH RGV SERVICES LOCATIONS
- 613 NORTH SUGAR ROAD – EDINBURG
- CORTEZ HALL – ROOM 229 – BROWNSVILLE
VALLEY AIDS COUNCIL LOCATIONS
- 857 EAST WASHINGTON, SUITE G – BROWNSVILLE
- 2306 CAMELOT PLAZA – HARLINGEN
- 300 SOUTH SECOND STREET, SUITE 101
