There’s a Rise in STIs: How Often Should I Get Tested and How to Stay Safe?

Even though many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are preventable, more than 20 million new cases are reported in the United States annually — with rates increasing. Most notable is an increase in the cases of syphilis. Reported Syphilis cases soared 80 percent between 2018 and 2022, reaching heights not seen since the 1950s.

Add to those statistics that more than 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).

Remember, too, these numbers reflect only reported cases of STIs. Many people have an STI and don’t know it.

Your sexual health is vital to your overall health and wellness. Don’t leave it up to chance. Board-certified Internist Dr. Manzoor Kazi of  Palm Desert Urgent Care in Palm Desert, CA, provides confidential and cutting-edge in-office diagnostic testing for STIs. If you’re sexually active, here’s what we recommend to help you stay safe amidst the surging cases of sexually transmitted diseases in the country.

Get wise to your risks

Approximately 20 million new cases of STIs are diagnosed each year. These conditions spread from person to person through oral, vaginal, or anal contact, either through affected skin or the exchange of fluids.

While anyone sexually active can contract an STI. Still, some factors can increase your risk of exposure, such as:

• Being a man who has sex with other men
• Being a women aged 15-24
• Having multiple or anonymous sex partners
• Participating in sexual activity using alcohol or drugs
• Having oral, anal, or vaginal sex without condoms or dental dams

Experts attribute the rise to more people having multiple partners, a lack of partner notification, alcohol consumption, and a lack of condom usage.

Knowing your risks can help increase your awareness so you can proactively monitor your sexual health.

Learn the signs of an STI

You’ve likely heard of STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and herpes. However, dozens of infections are spread through sexual contact. And many cause mild or few — if any — symptoms at all.

Signs of an STI could include:

• Odd discharge from the penis or vagina
• Needing to urinate more frequently
• Burning while peeing
• Bumps or sores in areas like the thighs, butt cheeks, or genitals
• Pain, itching, irritation, or swelling in the anus, vulva, vagina, or penis
• Flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue, fever, and body aches

If you experience these symptoms, immediately schedule a screening as soon as possible. This can protect your health and help prevent the spread to others.

Get proactive about your sexual health

Finally, regular testing is the most essential way to protect against STIs. This is especially crucial because most people who learn they have an STI have no symptoms. 

General guidelines recommend annual testing for STIs for most sexually active individuals, including:

• Women up to age 25 
• Women over age 25 with STI risk factors, such as new or multiple partners
• Gay, bisexual, or other men who engage in sex with men
• Anyone who has a higher risk for STIs

Anyone pregnant should also have an STI screening early on to avoid pregnancy complications.

These are just general guidelines. For optimal protection, consult Dr. Khan for personalized recommendations about how often you should get screened and which tests are best for you. 

If you’re sexually active and haven’t been tested in a while or suspect you may have an STI, call our office in Palm Desert, CA, or book an appointment online.