Ignorance Isn't Bliss: STD Rates Amongst Latinas Are Rising, But That Can Change

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are infections that get passed from one person to another during sex. The terms are used interchangeably, but we’ll stick with “STDs” throughout for the sake of clarity. STDs are usually contracted during unprotected vaginal, anal, or even oral sex.

However, STDs can also be contracted through other kinds of contact involving the mouth, vagina, penis, or anus that doesn’t necessarily involve what one considers the “act of sex.” For example, that’s the case for infections such as herpes or Human Papillomavirus (HPV) because they spread through contact alone, which means any transfer of bodily fluids such as saliva can spread the infection.

It’s also possible to get STDs through sharing needles or blood transfusions. Some STDs can even be passed down to babies during pregnancy, at the moment of birth, or through breastfeeding. In fact, from 2016 to 2020, syphilis passed on to newborns increased by 235%.

The truth is that STDs are common, but they’re preventable. They’re also treatable, especially if caught early, which is where STD testing comes in. This is particularly important for Latinas because they have a much higher risk of contracting STDs. Sexually transmitted diseases are an epidemic in the Latino community, and most of the newly infected are female.

Latinas at High Risk for STDs. Why?

One thing about STDs is that not all of them have symptoms. As a result, they often go unnoticed. This is precisely why regular STD testing is such an essential part of practicing sexual health.

Every sexually active person must prioritize regular testing, even if safe sex practices are followed. It’s the best way to protect yourself and your partner or partners against the risk of potential STDs.

The reality for Latinos is that regular STD testing is often easier said than done. Many factors contribute to that and pose obstacles, but there are also ways to overcome these obstacles.

Unfortunately, many Latinos don’t have health insurance. According to the Office of Health Policy, Latinos are less likely than whites to get insurance through their job. In 2022, Statista reported that 21% of the Latino population didn’t have health insurance.

Medicaid expansions have benefited the community, but not all states have adopted them, including Texas, where 40.2% of the population is Latino, and at least 19.4% of them live below the poverty line. But other states, like California, did the opposite and have continuously expanded access to Medicaid. Anyone between the ages of 26 and 65 can access Medicaid regardless of immigration status and receive medical care at community health centers like Northeast Valley Health Corporation.

These community health centers also see patients regardless of income, which is a huge help. Affordability is often an issue, and many Latinos don’t know that their healthcare could be low-cost or even no-cost. Given that too many Latinas who are sexually active are without health insurance, options like these health centers could be easily discoverable with an internet search.

2. Lack of Sexual Health Education

Just as the Latino community lacks access to healthcare services, they also lack access to sexual health education. Primary care doctors play an important role in that education, so having little to no access to them is already a factor. While 95% of participants in the aforementioned survey claimed to have some knowledge about STDs, their sources of information regarding sexual health were often not very reliable, informative, or educational.

Most participants obtained knowledge at school by talking to teachers and other students or through sexual education classes, which were often inadequate. They also received information from their mothers and family members, who often lacked sexual health education in their home countries.

The lack of educational resources leads to sometimes very severe misunderstanding of sexual health among most Latinas. According to a report from the American Academy of Pediatrics, Latino youths are less likely than white youths to get educated about STD prevention or safe sex before becoming sexually active.

3. Stigma Around STDs

The stigma around STDs runs deep in society, so it affects every community. However, the Latino community is disproportionately affected for other reasons discussed above. The same survey we’ve been discussing showed that fear of what people may think is another factor that keeps Latinas from getting tested. The stigma is often tied to a lack of education about STDs, the terminology used around them, and common misconceptions. It’s also often linked to religious beliefs, politics, and family dynamics.

For example, a lot of people don’t know that STDs are treatable and that most require very simple treatment, especially if they’re diagnosed early. When it comes to misconceptions, a lot of people believe promiscuity is the main factor. In truth, it only takes one sexual partner.

Marital status or being in a committed monogamous relationship also has nothing to do with it. Discovering an STD doesn’t necessarily mean someone cheated in the relationship. This could be due to a long-standing infection that was never diagnosed or was symptom-free.

It’s also possible for an STD treatment to fail, erasing the symptoms but not the infection itself. The point is that whether single, married, or in a committed relationship, regular STD testing should be part of maintaining good sexual health. Getting tested while married or in a relationship is just a part of proper health care.

The stigma around STDs is also tightly linked to the language. People who contract them are labeled as “dirty,” and people who don’t are considered “clean.” Not to mention the jokes people often make about “damaged goods” and other shaming insinuations.

If you’re feeling empowered about it, talk about safe sex, prevention, and testing in everyday regular conversations because it is, indeed, very normal. But if not, it’s helpful to know that getting access to preventative support like condoms and PrEP or STD testing and treatment is often a private click away.

Community health centers, like Northeast Valley Health Corporation, often allow easy scheduling right from the privacy of your computer or mobile screen. For example, Los Angeles County residents can easily make an appointment online, and no one has to know about it.

Latinas Can Take Charge of Their Health

While STDs affect individuals regardless of ethnicity or background, Latinas bear a disproportionate burden.

From HIV to chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, STDs present a significant public health challenge made worse by the silent nature of many infections, the lack of accessible testing and treatment options, the stigma and shame, and the misunderstanding of sexual health.

However, it's important to note that STDs can be prevented and treated and that Latinas have the power to change the conversation around STDs in the Latino community. More and more research shows that Latinas are known influencers for their family, friends, and community. They can take charge and spread awareness about STDs, prioritize sexual health, as well as share information on resources like free STD testing.