Can You Guess Which State Has Recently Seen a Surge in STDs?
Can You Guess Which State Has Recently Seen a Surge in STDs?
Although it seems obvious, it still must be emphasized: sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are something that people have to watch out for when having sex. Practicing safe sex is imperative, especially with someone you don’t know very well.
It can also help if you know whether your region has been affected by STDs more than others, as they are infectious and pass on like wildfire. One U.S. State, as of late, has seen a sudden increase in STDs: Rhode Island.
In Rhode Island, from 2013 to 2014, cases of gonorrhea went up 30 percent, HIV went up 33 percent, and syphilis went up 79 percent. This is despite the fact that gonorrhea rates have not increased, and cases of syphilis have only increased 10 percent.
All in all, it is thought that apps such as Tinder, Grinder, and Recon don’t help the problem. It has been found that individuals using smartphone apps such as Tinder, Grindr, and Recon to find sexual partners have a higher risk of getting chlamydia or gonorrhea than people who meet their sexual partners bars, clubs, or online.
Overall, people using apps are less likely to disclose their sexual health status. The state of Utah actually made a warning as to the potential danger in using hookup apps prior to the news of the increase of STDs in Rhode Island.
Also, as for who is most at-risk, African Americans, Hispanics, and young, gay or bisexual men are thought to be most susceptible to an increase in STDs due to risky behavior.
What Can Be Done
Although awareness about STDs has not decreased precipitously, as aforementioned, responsible behavior has been on the wane, particularly with the younger generation. Many youth may hear advice, but don’t use it in real situations.
One step towards a better situation has been undertaken by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE); they have aimed to raise awareness about STDs, and to improve sexual health education programs to students across the board. Not all programs are necessarily accessible or taught consistently from one school to the next.
Talking to a doctor, nurse, or other health professional before becoming sexually active is very important for teens. In addition, a number of precautions can be taken.
For example, one should get regularly tested for HIV and STDs as a whole; use a condom or dental dam whenever having sex; be aware of their partner’s sexual health status; and avoid sexual contact if either the individual or their partner is exhibiting symptoms of an STD.
If one is diagnosed with an STD, they should take all prescribed medication and refrain from having sex until told it is safe to do so.
Can You Guess Which State Has Recently Seen a Big Rise in STDs?| Women’s Health Mag
Dramatic rise in STDs and HIV in Rhode Island| Medical News Daily
Rhode Island’s STD Outbreak Blames Hookup Apps| Pioneer