Recent STD Prevention and Outbreak

According to the CDC, the United States has seen a record high in combined chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis cases. The organization claims that chlamydia cases have increased by 3%, gonorrhea cases by 5%, and syphilis cases by an astonishing 14%! The CDC believes that there a number of reasons as to why there has been such a large increase in the amount of STDs reported in America. These reasons include drug use, cuts in funding for STD programs, and poverty. However, I believe the most important reason the CDC lists is the reduced practice of protected sex, especially with condoms. Using a condom is one of the most reliable methods to prevent STDs (apart from monogamy or abstinence) as long as it is used correctly.

While chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are generally seen as less serious STDs, similar prevention methods can be used to stop the transmission of more serious STDs such has HIV and AIDS. According to WHO, HIV and AIDS can be transmitted through unprotected anal or vaginal sex, blood, or by vertical transmission. It is important to practice safe sex because it is very effective at preventing the spread of HIV and AIDS. For example, WHO claims that condoms are about 85% effective at preventing the disease. Getting tested for STDs is also important so you can prevent spreading them to your sexual partner or children, as many STDs have congenital effects.

I believe that it is crucial to begin increasing funding and education for STDs so that transmission can be slowed. The CDC says that over half of “local programs” for STDs have experienced budget cuts. This is completely unacceptable, especially as these STDs, namely gonorrhea, begin to develop resistance to antibiotics. It is also important to continue educating younger individuals on the reliability of practices such as abstinence, monogamy, and the use of condoms or other contraceptives, as they become sexually active. I think that the best way to prevent the transmission and problems of STDs is not to scare people away from sex, but rather inform them of how to practice sex in the safest manner possible.