Take Precautions to Reduce Risk of STD Infection

After earning his MD from the University of Medicine and Health Sciences in 2016, Dr. Joshua “Josh” Estep undertook his residency at AU-UGA Medical Partnership. In 2020, Josh Estep, MD, joined Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital in Newport, Oregon, as an attending physician. The hospital provides care to patients with infectious diseases like sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

STDs are on the rise in the United States. According to the CDC’s Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance Report, STD rates hit a new high in 2019 with over 20 million new infections reported. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were the most commonly occurring STDs.

Part of the reason for this surge is higher sexual activity among people and a relaxed attitude toward sexual protection. In addition, many people with STDs have no symptoms. For example, only 10 percent of men and 5 to 30 percent of women with chlamydia show symptoms. People without symptoms don’t know they are infected and continue having sex, spreading the STD.

To prevent contracting an STD, people should avoid sexual activity with multiple partners and use condoms with new partners. Screening is another way to prevent STDs. People should test for STDs at least once a year or at the start of a new relationship. Testing for syphilis and HIV requires a blood sample, while gonorrhea and chlamydia require a swab around the mouth or genitals. People who have multiple sex partners or who have unprotected sex should get tested at least every 3 months.