Sexually transmitted diseases have been on the rise for years. There are many ways of preventing STDs, yet there are many factors including lack of education, finances, and healthcare that can contribute to the growing number of STDs. Sadly, STDs are affecting more than just the individual who contracts one. Now, many infants are born with physical or neurological problems and sometimes even die due to STDs. A recent fact sheet by the CDC stated that there were well over two million combined cases of STDs in the United States in 2018. Why were the numbers so high?
Some of the main reasons given for why these numbers are so high include poverty, decreased condom use, and cuts to STD programs from the state and local government, according to an article by the CDC. When people do not have the money to afford healthcare and treatment for an STD, there can be problems. Many STDs, including syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, can be cured by antibiotics. Problems arise however when left untreated. Not only is the individual now more at risk for future complications, but he or she is likely to spread the disease to his or her sexual partner. Furthermore, for women, there is the danger of causing disease like congenial syphilis in a child if the STD has not been treated before giving birth.
The question then remains-what can be done to prevent the growing STD epidemic? First and foremost, the most certain way to not contract these diseases is to not have sex. If you do choose to have sex, limiting sexual partners and using condoms are important to preventing the spread of disease. Furthermore, as an article by Dr. Barrow and others states, it is important that quality care for the treatment of STDs be provided to all patients. More funding is required to ensure that treatment and education about STDs are readily available to those who need it. By taking these measures, we will hopefully be able to curbed what is currently a growing problem within the United States.
Emma's Microbiology Blog 