COVID-induced rise in STD Cases: Should students be worried?
COVID-19 led to reduced STD screenings. Now gonorrhea is up 45% and syphilis is up 52%.
Photo taken from Student Health Center Google page.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a serious health threat, especially given the rising number of cases reported by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Young adults are one of the most vulnerable populations for developing an STD, so it is important for college students to be aware of the health threats that STDs pose, as well as their own STD status. The good news is that STDs are preventable and oftentimes easy to treat. Being proactive by engaging in preventative measures and testing regularly will help you avoid the negative impacts of these infections.
STD Cases Are Up Since 2016
Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance, 2020 reports that since 2016, cases of gonorrhea are up 45%, syphilis is up 52%, and congenital syphilis - babies born with syphilis infections passed to them by their birthing parent - is up a staggering 235%. The CDC hypothesizes that these increases are due to a few factors, one being that healthcare’s heavy focus on the COVID-19 crisis in 2020 led to reduced STD screenings, and likely resulted in the initial underreporting of STD cases. When COVID-19 cases became more manageable, STD screenings and resources became more available, resulting in a surge of reported cases. This initial underreporting possibly contributed to increased transmission of infection, as infected individuals were likely unaware of their STD status and unknowingly spread it to others.
While the report indicates a 1.2% decrease in cases of chlamydia since 2016, the CDC cautions that this apparent decrease is likely due to changes in STD screening, not a reduction in new infections. Because chlamydia is often asymptomatic, it is often caught incidentally through preventative care. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in reduced preventative care visits due to the ongoing crisis and thus likely led to undiagnosed infections. Additionally, staffing shortages may have led to a prioritization of the aforementioned surge in gonorrhea and syphilis, leading to further underreporting of chlamydia.
Taken together, these statistics prove that STD awareness and care should be taken very seriously now more than ever, especially among vulnerable populations like young adults.
STDs and Your Health
STDs are a legitimate health concern, especially if left untreated. Prolonged chlamydia and gonorrhea infections can result in current and future pregnancy complications. Additionally, untreated STDs can increase chances of contracting HIV, which can be fatal. The Mayo clinic lists other health complications of untreated STDs including pelvic pain, eye inflammation, arthritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, cancer, and heart disease. Remaining vigilant about your STD risk and status are imperative to avoiding these complications and possibly even saving your life!
How To Prevent Contracting and Spreading STDs
Abstain from sexual practices
Get vaccinations (especially for HPV and Hepatitis B)
Reduce your number of sexual partners
Decide on mutual monogamy
Use condoms and/or dental dams
Test regularly
Resources for UNR Students
The UNR Student Health Center provides comprehensive STI testing for an additional fee, and same day appointments can be made by calling (775) 784-6598.
Planned Parenthood Fifth Street Health Center is only a 5 minute drive (15 minute walk) from the UNR campus and provides STD testing and treatment. For pricing information and to make an appointment, call (775) 688-5555.
Dominique Alexander is a student at the University of Nevada, Reno earning a degree in Neuroscience. She currently serves as the President of Planned Parenthood Generation Action on campus and is a passionate advocate for the causes she believes in, including women’s rights and reproductive healthcare. Dominique will graduate in Fall 2022 and hopes to pursue a career in Genetic Counseling.
