Why It's Time To End The Stigma

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Executive Producer: Doctor Mike
Production Director and Editor: Dan Owens
Managing Editor and Producer: Sam Bowers
Editor and Designer: Caroline Weigum
Editor: Juan Carlos Zuniga

* Select photos/videos provided by Getty Images *

** The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional **

[clarewhite]

My ex had asymptomatic chlamydia for years. He didn't know he had it till we started dating and he decided to get tested in case we decided to become intimate. Turned out, he was going to have fertility issues because of the untreated infection. Get tested and get treated, y'all!!!

[stephanieadelaarson]

Seriously end the stigma. My high school best friend unalived herself because she got an STI.

[LillyLuva]

Dr. Mike, I know you will never see this but i want to say thank you. My little brother lost his pulse yesterday after we thought he passed out from dehydration, it turned out he slipped into cardiac arrest and I just thought of you also saying chest compressions, without you i would have lost my brother. Thank you so much Doctor Mike. -A young fan

[infamouscha]

Some people have chlamydia for months and YEARS and never find out because they don’t get tested.

[shadowfox]

I got it from my ex who was not upfront who did not get tested and lied and cheated. Please people be SAFE and considerate.

[killuaxkillua]

Especially over STI’s that are TREATABLE!! I’m a lab tech and I know it’s embarrassing to get an STI but there’s medication you can take for a short period of time and you’re free of symptoms, infection and long term consequences of not being treated. We need to encourage regular testing because it leads to treatment which helps stop the spread along with safe sex education and practice. Love the message of destimatizing the shame around sti’s.

[Hilzoti-白狼龙]

You're such a good caregiver, Dr. Mike! I wish every doctor was as compassionate and understanding as you. People in New York are so lucky to have you looking after them!! ❤

[elizabethweigle]

Something I heard once that changed my life forever:
“Guilt is believing you *did* something bad. Shame is believing *you* are bad. If you break a window on accident, you are guilty. But do not be ashamed. Doing something bad doesn’t automatically make you a bad person.”

[ks]

Wow dr Mike's explanation is spot on... don't be ashamed, don't hurt yourself and definitely get medical help

[johnwalker]

Basically, you don't want a disease to be stigmatized because the affected person may be less likely to seek help or treatment if they feel they will be judged, mistreated, or discriminated against for having it. And like any problem, if a person avoids it rather than addressing it directly, it is more likely to persist or even worsen over time.

[rachaelford]

Plus sometimes you can get things from someone you're in a committed relationship with - well you think you are. I've seen that happen alot. People get cheated on and then the cheater spreads it

[inner_kundalini]

The key takeaway is to be kind - to yourself, to any partners, because a test could literally save a life. So be kind humans ❤❤ We all deserve kindness❤❤

[mekachi]

AMEN! The first time I even had a test done I was so terrified and when one came back positive for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea I legit thought I might die. Just the stigma alone had me terrified to even research anything related to STI/STD ‘s before I got one. And my unlucky butt got a twofer. (To be fair I had the test done cause i thought my ex had cheated on me and that just confirmed it so there is that). It was a whirlwind of emotions and a lot of them surrounded fear for my long term health. I took multiple health classes in school and not a single one had me prepared for what to do or even think in the moment! All that I learned from health class was to be terrified and frankly that did nothing to help me. So please. End the stigma, teach your kids and make sure your friends feel comfortable talking about these kinds of personal things. You never know who has been through it before and sometimes we need a push to actually get things done. Never forget that shame has absolutely no place in a doctors office and should never effect your decision to seek treatment.

Think about it like this, if people can make it to the ER with bottles and who knows what else shoved up their butts, then you can go and get tested. Doctors see all sorts of things, a regular STI/STD test is nothing compared to some of their craziest encounters and any who haven’t aren’t worth their salt enough to be judging you. Whether it be diabetes, genetic illness, STI/STD, or unexplained spots, it’s better to know and have an answer rather than wait till it’s too late.

[lynnebucher]

Not shamed but definitely educated about safe sex and routine STI testing.

[StephanieDonelow]

I've had it once. I'm so thankful it wasn't something serious. They told me it was extremely common.

[Nikita_Yudin_V]

i thought the title said "end the sigma"

edit: this comment went big so i feel like i need to put something here


















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[PossumPityParty]

This is so important. Ignorance and denial only hurts people. TY both for this!

[Levienna]

I dig you Dr Mike🥰🥰 feels the big differens in the tones here. You Mike also speaking without judgement🥰❤️

[OffTheRailGaming]

Thank you for being a posivite person Dr. Mike. You are a good role model, the kids should be watching you instead of the rappers who talk about shooting people all the time.

[tigrisstar]

I was raped by an ex-boyfriend and contracted genital herpes from it. I attempted to end my life because of it, but now I live to end the stigma by educating everyone on what herpes really is and how surprisingly common it is.