Sexually transmitted infections, also known as STIs, are infections that spread through sexual contact. Common STIs include recognizable names such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Each presents their own symptoms, but all are an uncomfortable, if not painful, experience. STIs are on the rise across the United States, yet the average American is ignorant of just how prevalent they are. The numbers are staggering – one in every five people carry some form of an STI, and have the ability to pass it onto their future sexual partner(s). In order to avoid joining the growing number of people who have contracted an STI, it is important to dispel the rumors and become educated on prevention tactics and risk factors.
Specific STIs are much more likely to come in contact with a person based on certain traits, such as where they live, how they act, who they are, and who they love. Beginning with the regional differences for certain STIs, the data points to the fact that there are certain areas in the US that carry a higher risk than others. States such as Minnesota, Louisiana, South Dakota, Alaska, and Georgia have the highest number of cases per 100,000 residents. On the contrary, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Idaho, and Utah have the lowest number of cases. The West Coast is predominately plagued by syphilis, compared to gonorrhea in the South, HIV in the Northeast, and chlamydia in the Midwest. Large cities are hotspots for STIs, given the larger number of people coming into sexual contact with each other.
The Numbers on How STIs Spread
There are certain behaviors that encourage the spread of STIs. Unprotected sex is unsurprisingly one of the most common ways that STIs spread, but some kinds spread at a higher rate than others. Syphilis is the most common, at 51% to 64% of every 10,000 sexual acts. Gonorrhea is the runner up, with a 20% spread rate, followed by chlamydia and herpes. Thankfully, HIV, which is the most deadly STI by far, has the lowest spread at only .05% to .1%. Other risky behaviors include having a high number of sexual partners, using dating apps, and using drugs and alcohol frequently.
Demographics even play a role in which STIs someone is most likely to come into contact with. Gonorrhea presents the highest risk for black people, while white and Hispanic people are most concerned with syphilis. Risk levels are also dependent on income. People below the poverty line, especially those with no health insurance and no access to public transportation face the greatest risks. Finally, age can be another determining factor – young people are 48% more likely than older generations to contract an STI.
Conclusion
Thankfully, there are some ways to successfully prevent STIs. Of course, not having any sex has a 100% success rate, but many people will not be willing to practice this. Other options include testing for STIs before beginning a sexual relationship, using condoms, and taking a vaccine. The bottom line? STIs risks can be faced head on with better awareness, proactive testing, and practicing safe sex.
