240 Parsons - 2008

Contact Information Columbus Public Health
240 Parsons Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 645-7417

Public Health Alert: Sexually Transmitted Infections

 

PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY: Sexually Transmitted Infections

What you need to know

Sexually transmitted Infections (STIs) are increasing throughout the United States and in central Ohio. In 2018 in Franklin County, there were 10,179 cases of chlamydia -- 44% higher than the national rate, and 4,935 cases of gonorrhea -- more than twice the national rate. There also were 36 cases of congenital syphilis in central Ohio in the last five years (2014 through 2018). The number of cases of congenital syphilis per year has remained steady during this time.

What to watch for

Commons symptoms of STIs can include:

  •          Sores or bumps on the genitals or in the oral or rectal area
  •          Painful or burning with urination
  •          Discharge from the penis
  •          Unusual or odd-smelling vaginal discharge
  •          Unusual vaginal bleeding
  •          Pain during sex
  •          Sore, swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin, but sometimes more widespread
  •          Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
  •          Fever
  •          Rash over the trunk, hands, or feet

  It is important to remember that a large proportion of STIs can be completely asymptomatic, particularly in women and extragenital sites (e.g., pharynx and rectum).

What you can do

Providers should make STI screening and timely treatment a standard part of medical care, especially for adolescents/young adults, pregnant women, men who have sex with men, and transgender individuals.

 

Talk. Assess patients for their sexual risks. 

 

Test. Anyone who presents for STI or reproductive health needs should be screened for all STIs, including syphilis and HIV. Persons should be screened from urogenital (e.g., vagina/cervix and urine/urethra) and extragenital (e.g., pharynx and rectum) sites based on reported exposures. If your practice does not provide these services, persons can be referred to Columbus Public Health for screening and diagnosis. 

 

All pregnant women should be screened for syphilis and HIV at the first prenatal visit. All pregnant women should also be screened for syphilis at 28 weeks’ gestation and at delivery. Repeat HIV screening is recommended in the third trimester (prior to 36 weeks’ gestation) in those at risk for infection (e.g., STI diagnosis during pregnancy, illicit drug use, multiple sex partners, etc.). Any woman presenting in labor who has not been screened for HIV during pregnancy should be promptly screened using a rapid test.

  Treat: If a patient needs assistance accessing treatment, Columbus Public Health offers treatment for STIs. Most insurance plans are accepted or patients may be seen on a sliding fee scale. No one is turned away for inability to pay.

Who is at risk

Anyone who is sexually active can get an STI. People who have unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex with more than one partner are at greater risk.

To learn more

CDC STD Treatment Guidelines:  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2015 STD Treatment Guidelines along with a quick reference guide phone application can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/default.htm.

  Questions/Comments: Call the Sexual Health Promotion office at 614-645-8539