United States health officials released information showing that four sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) continue to be on the rise. The sexually transmitted infections (STIs) causing concerns are gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Doctors are hopeful the use of an old medication may help combat the rise in cases.
Rising STD Cases
The rise in STDs has many experts believing there has been a decline in adequate sexual education, condom usage, and a reduction in testing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each year millions of people are infected by an STI.
Moreover, these rates are the highest in men who have intercourse with men and Black, Hispanic, and Native Americans.
The STD surveillance data shows in 2021 there were 1,644,416 individuals infected with chlamydia. In that same time period, 710,151 people had gonorrhea. Additionally, there were 176,713 individuals with syphilis and 2,855 with congenital syphilis. Altogether that makes more than 2.5 million STD cases in 2021 alone.
An Antibiotic May Help
Doctors are hopeful doxycycline will help combat the rise in cases. For over 50 years, doxycycline, an inexpensive antibiotic, has been available. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is drafting recommendations to use doxycycline as a kind of morning-after medication. This is the agency’s way of preventing the spread of STDs, stated Dr. Leandro Mena, director of the CDC’s STD prevention division.
Additionally, the medication is already being used to treat an array of infections. Furthermore, a study funded by the National Institutes of Health indicates the use of doxycycline lowered the chances of catching an STD by two-thirds.
Scary Statistics
Over the past five years, there has been an increase in syphilis cases among newborns by more than 203%. Between 2020 and 2021 there has been a 4% rise in gonorrhea and chlamydia rates.
Many health experts are concerned the spread of STDs will continue to rise if the courts uphold a recent ruling striking down the Affordable Care Act’s full coverage requirements. This would put a stop to preventative services including STI screening.
Furthermore, a strain of gonorrhea that is antibiotic resistant has experts worried. In January, U.S. officials reported two cases of the antibiotic strain of gonorrhea.
Ways to Prevent STDs
One of the most effective ways to prevent catching an STD is to be abstinent. This means refraining from any type of sexual contact. Of course, not many people chose this avenue of prevention.
To prevent hepatitis B and HPV (Human Papillomavirus) people can receive a vaccination. People between the ages of 9 to 26 are recommended to receive an HPV vaccine.
For those sexually active it is recommended to reduce the number of sexual partners to help decrease the chances of catching an STD. Testing is also important for people and their partners.
Additionally practicing mutual monogamy is a safe avenue to take when being sexually active. Mutual monogamy means that both people agree to only have sexual relations with one another and no one else.
Furthermore, the use of condoms is highly effective in reducing STD transmission. People should use a condom in every sexual activity including oral, vaginal, and anal. Side note, synthetic non-latex condoms have a higher breakage rate than latex condoms.
Practicing safe sex is always the way to go with abstinence being the most effective.
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
CDC: Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance 2021
The New England Journal of Medicine: Postexposure Doxycycline to Prevent Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections
AP News: STDs are on the rise. This morning-after-style pill may help
CDC: Prevention
Axios: Syphilis cases hit 70-year high during pandemic
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