There has been a large spike in syphilis cases and a small spike in gonorrhea cases in the Cape Girardeau area and nationally. The spike in syphilis started last fall, and the spike in gonorrhea started at the beginning of this year. However, the rate of positive tests for all other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) has remained about the same.

From Jan. 1 to March 31, 2022, the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center conducted 28 positive tests for syphilis, 32 positive tests for gonorrhea and 126 positive tests for chlamydia. This is fairly consistent with national statistics, which report chlamydia as the most prevalent STD by far.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates one in five people in the U.S. have a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI). There are many ways STIs can get passed from person to person, including through vaginal, anal or oral sex; from mother to infant; or from used needles.

The terms “STD” and “STI” are often used interchangeably; however, the two are not necessarily the same. An STD is the later stage of an STI, and in some cases, the term “infection” is more accurate, and can carry less stigma. This article will refer to them as STDs for consistency.

According to the CDC, Syphilis is an STD that spreads through sores located in the genital or mouth area. Its most common symptoms are a rash, open sores and a sore throat. Condom use can prevent contact with sores, but sores that are not covered by a condom are still contagious. It can be cured with antibiotics, but sores may leave permanent damage on the body.

According to Mayoclinic, Gonorrhea is an STD that can often be asymptomatic, but common symptoms are painful urination and pus-like discharge. When untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body and result in infertility. Using a condom during sex can reduce, but not completely prevent, the spread of gonorrhea. It can be cured with antibiotics.

According to the CDC, Chlamydia is an STD spread through vaginal, anal or oral sex. Typical symptoms include abnormal discharge and a burning sensation while peeing. If untreated, it can cause permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive system. Condom use can reduce, but not completely eliminate, the risk of chlamydia, and it can be cured with antibiotics.

Rebecca Yancey, STD coordinator for the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center said knowing both you and your partner’s STD status is very important when having responsible sex. Yancey recommends getting tested for STDs every six to 12 months. Many STDs don’t have symptoms, so it’s important to get tested after every new sexual partner, even if you don’t think you have contracted any diseases.

Using condoms when having vaginal, oral or anal sex is important to reduce the spread of most STDs. The Southeast Campus Health Clinic offers a free pack of condoms per person per week, and the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center also offers free condoms. When used properly, condoms are 98% effective in preventing pregnancy, meaning two out of every 100 couples will become pregnant in one year when male condoms are used as contraception.

The campus health clinic offers screenings by appointment for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, herpes and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center also offers an STD clinic every Tuesday from 1 to 4 p.m. that screens for chlamydia, HIV, gonorrhea, hepatitis C and syphilis. An appointment is required. The Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center also offers Human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines.

When practicing safe sex, taking the proper precautions is crucial. It is important to stay conscious of the risks, up-to-date on testing, and vigilant about protection and birth control.

Click here for more information about how to get tested.