Sanford, Fla. - During the month of April, the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County (DOH-Seminole) recognizes Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) AwarenessMonth and encourages the community to get tested. DOH-Seminole is offering free testing for gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV and chlamydia on the following dates:

April 4, 11, 18 & 25
8:30 -11:00am & 1:30-3:30pm
Health Clinic
Florida Department of Health in Seminole County
400 West Airport Blvd. Sanford

"Many STDs do not present symptoms and go undetected, that is why testing is so important for diagnosis and to avoid spreading the disease to others. Anyone sexually active should talk to their partner and a doctor about risk factors, get tested, and if necessary, get treated to avoid additional health problems," said Donna Walsh, health officer for the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County.

Twenty seven percent of the sexually-active population is in the 15-24 years age group and 50% of the 20,000,000 new STD cases each year are also in the same age group. Having multiple partners may increase the risk of STDs. April 10^th is recognized as National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and is an opportunity to talk about sexual behaviors with your doctor and to get tested.

Sexually transmitted diseases can threaten immediate and long-term health and well-being. Untreated STDs can lead to reproductive complications such as infertility (inability to get pregnant) and ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the womb). They can also cause severe health problems affecting the brain, eyes, heart and other organs, and increase a person's risk for becoming infected with and spreading HIV.

For more information on STD testing and treatment you may call (407) 665-3700 or visit www.seminolecohealth.com. For more information on STD Awareness Month visit FloridaHealth.gov/ucaremore and FloridaHealth.gov/selfcare.