According to a 2019 news item, sexually transmitted diseases climbed to a record high in 2018.
A sobering fact was there was an alarming jump in the rate of newborn deaths caused by congenital syphilis.
The year 2018 recorded more than 2.4 million syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia infections.
What could be the reason for such an increase?
According to a doctor at an STD clinic DC, “Various factors can be attributed to this trend, including decrease in condom use, increased screening pushing up numbers, and cuts to health programs”.
Medical professionals are of the view that increase in newborn deaths is a result of rising syphilis rates among women of reproductive age.
People must understand that there are tools available to prevent every case of sexually transmitted disease. Testing is simple and available at numerous centers.
It may surprise some people, but it is a fact that one in five Americans has a sexually transmitted infection.
During the early stages of Covid-19, reports on sexually transmitted disease showed a dip due to disruptions in health care and STD testing services. Moreover, because of reduced access to testing services, people might have unsuspectingly spread infection.
Common perception may also tell us that STI rates might have fallen because of stay-at-home rules, and reduced opportunities for people to physically interact.
But after relaxation of Covid restrictions, it could be back to the earlier days. We must keep in mind that asymptomatic cases, most of them adolescents and young adults are at a greater risk posed by STDs than the general populace.
The risks are grave enough, and include
- Infertility
- Risk of contracting HIV infection
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Ensuing exposure of STD to multiple partners
Do not hesitate when you speak with your doctor. There are numerous types of sexually transmitted infections. The doctor will guide you on how to deal with the problem.
While speaking with your doctor, be honest about your sexual history and your recent indulgences. If you feel uneasy speaking with your primary care doctor there are many clinics that provide confidential and free or very affordable testing.
There might well be a testing center near you that provides testing and treatment on the same day.
At Arlington STD testing you will be seen in less than 30 minutes.
Are you apprehensive that your private information will be made available to others? There is no any need to worry on this account. At std clinic DC, the testing is anonymous and discreet, and the clinic abides by all federal and state laws, including HIPAA.
You have several STD panels to choose from. These include:
- Syphilis and HIV
- Hepatitis B & C
- Comprehensive STD panel for males
- Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and HSV
- Gonorrhea and Chlamydia test
- Herpes I and II
On a positive note, the pandemic has brought about innovative measures in clinical care, such as telehealth and improvements in diagnostic approaches.
You can avail such facilities.
