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