They say anything can happen in a New York minute. We can say that holds true especially in terms of Sexually Transmitted Diseases cases. It might take even less than a minute of contact for a person to get infected.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases are carried in the semen, vaginal fluids, blood, and saliva. Most bacteria or viruses are transmitted via genitals, anal or oral sex. However, there are certain diseases which can be spread via skin contact, such as genital herpes and warts.
What The Data Is Saying
The number of STD cases are going up and New York has glaring rates. The Center for Disease Control reports there were more than 2.4 million cases of syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea infections in 2018.
New York is in the top 10 for Chlamydia and Syphilis. There have been 116,814 cases of Chlamydia or 591.6 in every 100,000 making New York rank 9th in the country. The state ranks 6th in Primary and Secondary Syphilis as there have been 2355 reported cases or 11.6 in every 100,000. Though it is not in the top 10 for gonorrhea, the number is still alarming at a rate of 172.7.
Syphilis can be transferred from mother to infant. According to CDC, there have been 154 percent increase in mother to infant infections cases since 2013. And the sad part is, there is a 50% mortality rate of babies that are still in the womb.
How Do We Prevent STDs?
Aside from abstinence, there are other ways to prevent STDs and its transmission:
- Use protection. Using latex condoms greatly decreases the chances of infection.
- Stick to one partner or reduce the number of sexual partners you have.
- Do not share underclothing or towels with other people.
Awareness should begin in basic units such as families, schools and communities. If you think you might have STD, getting tested is the only one way to be sure. Find a confidential, reliable and accurate clinic in Manhattan now.
