Sexually Transmitted Diseases or STDs are on the rebound after years of successful decline in the US. The years following the early 90s showed a significant steady drop in cases as more and more people were educated.
It is ironic though because now that information is easily accessible and awareness campaigns have a wider reach through online platforms, the number of infected individuals are steadily increasing.
STDs In Philadelphia Are Exceeding National Rates
Syphilis, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, three of the most common STDs in the country, are spreading in Philadelphia at alarming rates.
According to the Center for Disease Control, in 2018, there were 1,214 cases of Syphilis(in various stages), at a rate of 79.6 in every 100,000. Gonorrhea was at 7,205 cases or 472.2 in every 100,000 while chlamydia was at a disturbing 20,206 or 1,324 in every 100,000. What is more disquieting with these numbers is that the rates for all three infections are more than double compared to national rates.
The resurgence of STDs is alarming and can be attributed to inconsistent use of condoms and rampant use of recreational drugs. Another factor that should worry Americans is that some diseases such as gonorrhea are getting more difficult to get treated due to increasing resistance to antibiotics.
Untreated STDs Are Dangerous
If left untreated, STDs can cause serious and permanent conditions in both men and women, according to the Center for Disease Control.
Gonorrhea in women can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease(PID) which leads to internal abscesses and severe pelvic pain. Eventually, the disease may damage the fallopian tubes and can cause infertility or ectopic pregnancy. Men may also suffer from infertility. Furthermore, the disease can spread to the blood and may result in Disseminated Gonoccal Infection(DGI) which can lead to symptoms such as arthritis or arthritis, tenosynovitis and multiple skin lesions.
Chlamydia on the other hand can cause permanent damage to the reproductive organs for both men and women. There are a lot of cases wherein patients have not felt any symptoms which makes it a very dangerous disease. Pregnant women can pass the infection to their baby. Newborns may catch eye infections during delivery. More dangerous complications are newborn pneumonia and premature delivery.
On the tertiary stage, syphilis can cause complications in various organs. These include the heart, blood vessels, brain and nervous system. Severe organ damage eventually results in death.
Get Tested Now
If you are worried you have STD, get tested now. Most STDs are curable and it is always better to catch it early to avoid complications. Find a reliable testing clinic near you.
