STI test: when and where to be screened

Incidence of many sexually transmitted diseases continued to rise at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during the first year of the pandemic. Said in a statement posted on the website on Tuesday. A total of 2.4 million infections were recorded in 2020, down from a record high of 2.6 million in 2019, and the number of diagnoses of specific sexually transmitted diseases has skyrocketed.

The number of cases of congenital syphilis in newborns sick from their mothers was the highest in 26 years, an increase of 235% from 2016. The incidence of primary and secondary syphilis increased by 7% from 2019 to 2020. Cases of gonorrhea increased by 10% over the same period.

People between the ages of 15 and 24 were infected with about half of the reported infectious diseases in 2020. Racial and ethnic minority groups, as well as gay and bisexual men, also experienced a disproportionately high proportion of illnesses.

CDC data also showed a 13% reduction in the incidence of chlamydia, but authorities said that many cases of the disease were asymptomatic, with a reduction in regular screening during the pandemic. Warned that it may have contributed to.

“This is the latest evidence of an epidemic that has been ignored in the United States,” said David C. Harvey, Managing Director of the National Union of STD Directors. “Due to the pandemic disruption of testing and care, the numbers have dropped slightly. There is no doubt. These cases are out of control.”

The incidence of sexually transmitted diseases has increased significantly over the last decade. Infection surged during the pandemic due to lack of available screening, lack of test kits and laboratories, and closure of the clinic, and director of the National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention. Said Dr. Jonathan Marmin.

Here’s what you need to know about how to prevent and treat sexually transmitted diseases:

How often do I need to take the test?

The Recommended by CDC Everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should be tested for HIV at least once. The agency recommends that men who have sex with men be tested for HIV at least once a year.

The agency encourages sexually active women under the age of 25 or having new or multiple sexual partners to undergo an annual examination for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Sexually active gay and bisexual men should be tested for syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea at least annually, or every 3-6 months if they have multiple sexual partners.

According to agency guidelines, pregnant people should be tested for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C early in pregnancy.

Some experts recommend more frequent tests. The National Union of Sexually Transmitted Diseases recommends that if you have multiple sexually transmitted disease partners, you should be screened quarterly.

There is a directory of clinics that offers free or low cost testing gettested.cdc.gov.

Some states offer home-based testing options through the health department’s website, but be aware of personal home-based testing options. “There are studies showing that some labs that offer home tests aren’t really reliable labs,” she said.

Family planning clinics like Planned Parenthood have face-to-face and telemedicine options for STI screening. Some emergency medical centers also have a testing function.

If I have multiple sexual partners, are there any other ways to prevent STI?

Consistent use of condoms can be at the forefront of defense against sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms are available in oral sex, vaginal intercourse, and the Food and Drug Administration. Recently approved The first condom for anal sex.

Sexual health professionals recommend that, if possible, be tested before having sex with a new partner, in addition to regular STI screening. If that is not possible, you should consider taking the test immediately after having sex with a new person.

“If you have an encounter and are worried about it, it’s best to get tested after 2-4 weeks,” said Dr. Michael Angarone, an infectious disease doctor at Northwestern Medicine.

Pre-exposure prevention, Or PrEP is currently recommended for people at risk of becoming infected with HIV, he said. This is not limited to men who have sex with men, but can include people with multiple sexual partners.

What symptoms do I need to be aware of?

Dr. Monica Wal Rosen, an obstetrician and gynecologist at the University of Michigan School of Medicine, says regular screening is important because up to 85% of STIs can be asymptomatic. However, she said that certain symptoms, such as abnormal secretions, painful sexual intercourse, spots on the outside of the menstrual cycle, and bumps and pain around the genitals, may indicate an infection.

Dr. Orwat Singoje, an obstetrician and gynecologist at the Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, says people with syphilis can develop rashes on their bodies and hands. They can also develop ulcers on the genitals, which can manifest themselves as scratches or ridges.

When untreated, even asymptomatic gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause inflammation of the pelvis, potential scarring of the fallopian tubes, and an increased risk of infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. She added.

What treatment options are available?

Most sexually transmitted diseases are treatable, especially if they are detected early. Medicines are available for gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. The disease cannot be cured, but antiviral therapy is available to help patients manage HIV.

Also, there is no cure for herpes that spreads easily without lesions. but, Prophylactic and antiviral drugs It reduces the duration of herpes outbreaks and reduces the risk of transmitting the virus.

Syphilis can be treated with penicillin and there are alternatives for people with allergies. “The treatment is very easy,” said Dr. Goje. “We need early diagnosis.”