Regular testing minimizes spread of STDs
Kian Hagerman
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) affect the lives of many Americans each year, with about 50 percent of reported new infections in 2012 occurring in people ages 15-24. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four sexually active adolescent females have an STD.
“Untreated infections can lead to infertility in the future and have long-term effects on your sex life,” said Shannon Santa Cruz, clinical microbiologist at S&P Consultants.
25 years old and younger sexually active females should receive testing annually according to the CDC.
The prevalence of STDs in the populace means that those looking to avoid or mitigate the effects of infection should practice some form of prevention method.
“Chlamydia and gonorrhea are rather common in the 18-25 age range,” said Tom Mickey, STD/HIV program manager at the Maricopa County Department of Public Health.
In a report by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) it states that chlamydia is the most commonly reported bacterial STD in the United States, with 30,571 cases reported in Arizona in 2012.
“Chlamydia is the most common organism causing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, which is the leading cause of infertility among women,” Santa Cruz said.
The CDC states that the use of latex condoms is one of the most effective ways of reducing the chance of transmission of chlamydia; condoms provide a virtually impenetrable barrier against particles the size of STD pathogens.
“Condoms are an option, but are not fool proof,” Mickey said. “They are effective, but there is no guarantee.”
There are also factors related to sexual preference that one should be aware of. According to the CDC, more than half of all new HIV infections reported occur among men who have sex with men.
Some STDs such as HIV are spread by contact with blood; according to the Maricopa County Department of Health Services, sores and lesions caused by other STDs can increase the chance of HIV transmission.
Gay men are also at greater risk of hepatitis A and hepatitis B, both diseases which have vaccinations available; the CDC suggests that men who have sex with men should be vaccinated.
The CDC also recommends entering into a mutually monogamous relationship with someone who has been tested for STDs and is uninfected as another successful method of STD prevention.
“If you are sexually active you should consider screening, getting tested,” Mickey said. “Up to 80 percent of STD infections are asymptomatic, meaning that they show no symptoms.”
Regular testing along with prompt treatment can be essential to minimizing the impact of a potential infection.
“We offer outreach testing, which is free. We are scheduled to do testing at MCC on March 19,” Mickey said. “Being tested is the best way of knowing.”
According to the CDC, the safest and most effective way of preventing the transmission of STDs is abstinence, which means avoiding sexual activity altogether.
“That’s not a real solution,” Santa Cruz said. “Abstinence is the only fool proof method of preventing STDs, but realistically open communication and honesty with your partner about your STD status is a more practical approach to a healthy sexual relationship. Even though it might be devastating to find out you have an STD, it’s better to know and get treatment.”
For more information about STDs visit http://www.stdaz.com.
