Rates of sexually transmitted infections , such as syphilis, have been rising over the past few years in the U.S. But why are STI rates surging now, and what can be done to reverse that trend?
Changes in sexual behavior, such as a decrease in condom usage and an increase in risky sexual behavior due to opioid use, are likely also playing a role, experts told Live Science.Why are STI rates increasing? The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tracks the national rate of gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis infections. Rates of these bacterial STIs were already rising in the six years preceding the pandemic.
Soaring syphilis infections are particularly concerning as they are tied to rising rates of congenital syphilis, where the bacteria pass through the placenta during pregnancy, potentially causing bone deformities, nerve problems and, in some cases, miscarriage, stillbirth or death of the newborn. Congenital syphilis infection rates roughly tripled from 2017 to 2021, according to the CDC data.
One factor many scientists think is behind the rise in STI rates is the growing opioid epidemic. Use of opioids, including prescribed painkillers and illicit drugs such as heroin and fentanyl, reached new heights amid the pandemic and has been linked to risky sexual behavior that raise the risk of STI spread, such as not using a condom and having many sexual partners, Cherabie said.
Another driver of surging STI rates is the declining use of condoms, Dr. Jodie Dionne , an assistant professor of infectious diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham told Live Science. "We need to make sure these people are aware they can get other STIs apart from HIV, and they need to get tested every three to six months if they are having new sexual partners," Cherabie said. One strategy is to increase STI testing. Strengthening efforts to screen for STIs, as well as congenital syphilis, through increased funding could help to reverse rises in infection rates, Cherabie said. Sexual healthcare has been underfunded for decades, he said.
(CarissaCWWong) Because people are living in sin and ignoring the reality of their Creator.
You have to ask?
People just freely having sex with anybody and everybody
Treating the diseases are profitable.
Logic says unprotected sex.
Because if people refuce to accept that masks work how do you expect them to accept that condoms work?
Satan and bitches must be quantum tunneling through their std bugs because in radiant puffball heavin' you don't get no naughty sex. Only eyeball explosion 'sex.' So, sour grapes. Why do you think Mary was a vir-jinn? They all are.
'cause 'THE PANDY'S OVER BEEYATCH!'
Sorry about that.