Oklahoma City Indian Clinic promotes physical and emotional health during Sexual Health Awareness Month.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit clinic providing health and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma, promotes physical and emotional health during Sexual Health Awareness Month.
Sexual Health Awareness Month is observed every September to raise awareness of sexual health care, including both physical and emotional health.
“Having sex can put you at risk of sexually transmitted infections,” said Janice Hixson, OKCIC’s Chief Medical Officer. “We want to make sure people know how to reduce that risk as much as possible.”
According to the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA), condoms are the only widely available method for reducing transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STI) during intercourse. Getting tested between partners, or if you have symptoms of an STI, can also help prevent STIs from being spread.
Many STIs show only mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, so getting tested may be the only way to know if you have one. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has an online tool to help you find STI testing in your area. The tool also has a filter that shows free and low cost testing options.
There are even some vaccines available to prevent diseases like HPV and Hepatitis. HPV can cause warts or cervical cancer. Hepatitis B can cause chronic illness or liver cancer in severe cases. Talk to your health care provider to see if getting vaccinated is right for you.
“Sexual health isn’t only about staying physically healthy, but emotionally healthy too,” Hixson said. “Understanding consent is a big part of sexual health.”
Consent must be given freely without coercion. All participants must agree to sexual activity with confidence, enthusiasm and awareness. If any participant is reluctant or takes back their consent, then any sexual activity must stop.
Sexual assault refers to sexual contact that happens without a person’s consent. If this has happened to you, there are resources available. The National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline can put you in touch with your local crisis center, and can be contacted at 1-800-656-4673.
Sexual health is an important part of our physical and emotional health. You should always take care of your health, but consider taking extra steps this year during Sexual Health Awareness Month.
About Oklahoma City Indian Clinic
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic was established in 1974 to provide excellent health care and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma. The clinic staff cares for more than 20,000 patients from over 200 federally recognized tribes every year. American Indians can receive a range of services, including medical, dental, pediatrics, prenatal, pharmacy, optometry, physical fitness, nutrition, family programs and behavioral health services. For more information, please call (405) 948-4900 or visit www.okcic.com.
