Muriel Jordan: Sexually transmitted infections including chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis at record highs
Prior to COVID-19, sexually transmitted infections including chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis were already at a record high for the fifth consecutive year. The ongoing pandemic has limited the availability of testing, treatment and education for STIs which means more STIs are going undetected and untreated during the pandemic.
April is STI Awareness Month. Now more than ever, it s critical to have the facts about STIs to avoid perpetuating STI stigma or shaming people who have STIs, which can make people less likely to get tested.
As the country continues to respond to COVID-19, STI care has taken a back seat. Although people are still having sex during the pandemic, we know that fewer people are getting tested, as some health care providers have deprioritized STI care and reduced or eliminated in-person appointments.