Sexually transmitted disease (STD) rates are up in St. Louis, Missouri, leaving many residents to wonder why. Recently, CBS St. Louis spoke to Pam Walker, health director for the area, who believes that online hookups may be partially to blame for the increased number of infections. According to Walker, the anonymity that the internet offers mixed with common misunderstandings about how STDs are transmitted lead to unsafe sex.
“Two people who know their status and know they are positive for HIV feel like they can have sex without a condom, because they’re already infected,” said Walker, quoted by CBS, adding that “what they’re doing is giving each other syphilis.” The director continued by saying that it would be possible to send out investigators to determine the source of these STDs, but it would be costly, and funds are limited. Walker added that syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia are three infections that are on the rise.
According to Planned Parenthood, more than half of Americans experience an STD in their lifetime, this suggests that as numbers of these infections increase, so should efforts to reduce them.
Archive for the ‘Parnter notification’ Category
STD Infections on the Rise in St. Louis
Thursday, August 2nd, 2012Africans Who Move to the U.S. are Still Unlikely to Discuss STDs
Tuesday, June 12th, 2012While the problem of HIV continues to spread throughout Africa, many people believe that this is no longer a disease that people in the U.S. are afraid to discuss. Researchers from the University of Cincinnati recently surveyed Africans who have immigrated to America to see if this population is more comfortable discussing HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in their new environment and if they were practicing safer sex.
What researchers found was that 51 percent of sexually active survey respondents reported that they had not used a condom. Furthermore, of the 12 percent who reported having multiple sexual partners, the majority said they had not discussed their sexual health or history with the people they were intimate with.
“[Study participants] also did not feel that they were susceptible to HIV or AIDS,” said researcher Matthew Asare, who is also a native of Ghana. The good news is that respondents who reported talking to their parents about sex when they were younger were more likely to have open communication with their partners about sexual health and safer sex practices.
Virginia Contemplates Suing over STD Infections
Thursday, June 7th, 2012Lately there has been a debate regarding whether a person can be legally prosecuted for infecting another individual with a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Avert.org states that this is a complicated issue because it can be difficult to determine if someone intentionally, recklessly or accidentally passed a condition to another person.
Virginia’s NBC News affiliate reports that the controversy over prosecuting people for spreading STDs is heating up in the area. Planned Parenthood told the news source that every day 85 Virginians become infected with chlamydia, 28 with gonorrhea and three with HIV, highlighting the severity of this problem in the state. “It is becoming a very big legal issue with people wanting to sue over matters that really do pertain to their health for the rest of their lives,” said Keiana Mayfield of Charlottesville Planned Parenthood, quoted by the news source.
Opponents of the idea of suing over STD infections cite fear of a person’s medical history being open for investigation. What is clear, however, is that more education is needed to ensure that residents in Virginia and across the country are aware of the dangers of STDs.
Tips on Partner Notification
Tuesday, July 27th, 2010
BY GERALD PALMER
We’ve recently had an influx of questions from people who are seeking advice on notifying their partner that they’ve had a positive test result. So, with guidance from our medical staff and other experts, we’ve put together a partner notification tip sheet based on the most frequently asked questions.
Why should I tell my sexual partners about my positive result?
If you have an STD, there is a good chance that your recent sexual partners are infected too. It will be important for them to get tested so that they can know their status, get treated and prevent further transmission. Talking honestly with current or potential sexual partners about a positive STD result can be tough, but telling your partner shows them that you respect and care about their health.
Although they may initially be disappointed, shocked or even angry, disclosing a positive STD diagnosis will help protect you from being re-infected and protect your partner from the consequences of an untreated infection such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) that may lead to infertility. Being honest and upfront with your partner gives them the opportunity to make the appropriate choices to protect their sexual health.
How do I tell my partner I have an STD?
Educate yourself: Learn as much as you can regarding your positive result from trusted sources like the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or give us a call. Our health care providers are here to help. You will feel a lot more in control of the situation as you learn about your diagnosis. You’ll be able to answer your partners initial questions and will have resources to share in case he/she has questions you can’t answer.
Timing is everything: You definitely want to have this conversation face to face – no texts, e-mails or voice mails. You also want to avoid sharing this information when you and your partner are in a sexual situation. Find a time and place where you can give each other your undivided attention and you have enough time to fully explain and discuss the situation. If you are concerned that your partner may react negatively, choose a safe, public location to share the news.
Start the conversation: “I’ve tested positive for [STD]. You should get tested to see if you need treatment too”.
Give your partner all of the information you’ve learned. Let them know which infection they may have been exposed to, encourage him/her to complete an STD test even if there are no symptoms present, and note the importance of getting tested as soon as possible. The longer they wait, the greater the chance for complications to arise. Sharing your testing experience or offering to go with your partner may ease some of his/her anxiety about the situation.
Prefer to notify your partner anonymously?
You may be able to get help from a local physician, hospital or county health department. Many healthcare providers are willing to confidentially contact former partners on your behalf. Talk to your health care provider about this option or find your local health department.
There are also notification options using eCards. You’ll need to supply the name of the STD your partner may have been exposed to. The card will inform your partner of the situation and provided information about the condition and local testing and treatment options.
Need more advice?
For more resources about talking to your partner, call the CDC National STD Hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (800) 227-8922 or (800) 232-4636.
If you have any questions, contact one of our counselors at (888) 215-9543. We talk to people who have these kinds of questions and more every day. As always, we’re here to help.
