Sexually transmitted infections or diseases are a huge concern for anyone who is sexually active. The Centers for Disease Control has found that between 2017 and 2018 the rates of infection from sexually transmitted disease have risen dramatically. The trend shows signs of continuing to rise through the current year. The top three infections that are showing signs of growth are chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea.

In the findings from the Centers for Disease Control, the 3% increase in chlamydia brings the reported case number to over 1.7 million. This is the highest reported number of cases. Syphilis and gonorrhea are a close second and third with over 500,000 cases. Some of the increase in numbers can be attributed to increased testing to more accurately diagnose infections, leading to an increase in reporting.

While the increase in these top three sexually transmitted infections is nationwide in America, St. Louis, Missouri seems to be the epicenter of chlamydia and gonorrhea. Congenital syphilis, cases of syphilis infection which are passed from mother to baby during pregnancy, are climbing in Oklahoma. The rate in that state has doubled from 12 cases in 2018 to 23 cases so far in 2019 according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health. This is a 283% increase in cases of congenital syphilis since 2014 in the state. Across the nation the increase is 40% since 2017. Syphilis is especially dangerous if left untreated, as it can infect your spinal fluid , brain, and eyes, causing devastating and permanent damage if left untreated. In the modern age, this is rare, but extreme cases are possible if syphilis is undiagnosed and untreated.

National numbers are alarming, but the local impact is what most of us relate to. These infections are a risk for anyone who is sexually active, regardless of age, race, or sexuality. This makes testing vital to anyone who is sexually active with multiple partners. Although the rise in infection rates is alarming, it should be seen as a reality check. These diseases are easily detectable with modern testing, and have a high success rate of treatment. The effectiveness of treatment only increases with early detection. Being open and honest with your partners and health professionals is the most effective tool to protect yourself and those in your circle.

Protect yourself with barrier methods such as condoms and dental dams, and get tested with each new partner. Many sexually transmitted infections have little to know symptoms in the early or dormant stages, which makes testing vital to prevention, even with no symptoms presenting. Not only could you not realize you were exposed and are infected with an STI, you could be unknowingly passing the infection on to your partner or partners.

Testing and treatment can get this modern day epidemic under control. Most colleges and universities recognize this need for testing and treatment and provide simple access to these services on campus. Also most communities have a local health center that provides free to inexpensive testing. Empowering yourself and protecting your partners and potential partners can impact the local community and the larger community by getting the exploding STI rates under control, one person at a time.

Centers for Disease Control

Planned Parenthood

Mayo Clinic