Blog — Youth

Should I circumcise my child?

Posted by Candice Simpson on

Should I circumcise my child?

Disclaimer: We are not medical professionals. The best thing to do before any medical procedure is to consult with your doctor. Circumcision is defined as the surgical removal of the foreskin. It is the most common elective surgery in people with penises in America. However, there are many misconceptions about the pros and cons of the procedure, and whether the procedure is necessary or not is strongly debated. The time period in which a circumcision occurs is varied. They are most commonly performed on the first or second day after birth. However, among Jewish populations it is done on the...

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Young People Hard-Hit by STDs: Know the Facts, Get Yourself Tested

Posted by Candice Simpson on

Young People Hard-Hit by STDs: Know the Facts, Get Yourself Tested

Three common STDs—chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis—are surging across the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Young people are especially hard-hit. In fact, because reported cases only account for a fraction of the national burden, CDC estimates 15-24-year olds account for half of all new sexually transmitted infections each year. Texas is no exception. In 2018 alone, there were 93,136 reported cases of chlamydia, 23,403 reported cases of gonorrhea, and 2,976 reported cases of syphilis among this same age group. “The consequences of STDs are especially severe for young people,” said Gail Bolan, M.D., director of CDC’s Division of STD Prevention. “Because chlamydia and gonorrhea...

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