Latest news with #STDs
Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Map reveals where you are most at risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases... where does YOUR state rank?
Americans living in the south could be most at risk of sexually transmitted diseases, a new study reveals. Louisiana had the country's highest rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV. It suffered 1,200 STD cases per 100,000 residents, making it the state most stricken by diseases that spread through sex, skin-to-skin contact and from mother to child during birth. In particular, Louisiana had the highest rate of chlamydia, America's most common STD that affects 1.6million adults every year. Mississippi and Alaska followed close behind with 1,084 and 1,067 STD cases per 100,000 people, respectively. Alaska also recorded the most instances of gonorrhea, which experts have previously blamed on weak public health infrastructure and high rates of substance abuse. It's the same state where a woman died earlier this year of disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI), which occurs when the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea invades the bloodstream and travels to vital organs. Meanwhile, Georgia, which had the fourth-highest overall STD rate, recorded the most HIV cases with 25.5 per 100,000. South Dakota rounded out the top five, recording the highest rate of syphilis infections. On the other hand, states in New England had the lowest STD rates, with Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine falling to the bottom of the list. The rankings, provided by a new study from Invigor Medical, used the latest CDC data - from 2023 - to calculate STD rates for all 50 states. The researchers found many states ranking in the top 10 have limited access to sexual health clinics and emphasize abstinence education as a primary method to prevent pregnancy and STDs, which could be drivers behind their higher rates. And many states do not mandate sex education in schools, meaning millions of students miss out on potentially life-saving information. States like Alaska and South Dakota also have higher numbers of outbreaks among Indigenous populations, which are more likely to have limited access to care. People in the New England region, on the other hand, typically have higher household incomes and rates of insurance, making them better able to access care and sexual education. The report also found women in the US are 10 percent more likely than men to be diagnosed with an STD, with a rate of 902 cases per 100,000 compared to 819. This could be because women are screened more often during routine reproductive health visits, while cases in men may go undiagnosed. The vagina also has a moist, thin lining that is easily penetrable, making it prone to infections. Louisiana had the country's highest rate of chlamydia with 792 cases per 100,000 residents. This added up to 36,242 diagnoses in 2023. Nationwide, chlamydia affects 1.6million Americans every year. Common symptoms of chlamydia include abnormal or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, abdominal tenderness, pain during intercourse, irregular bleeding, and fever. However, less than half of infections show symptoms, and many are asymptomatic. Mississippi followed close behind overall and had the second-highest rate of chlamydia, with 701 cases per 100,000. Alaska recorded 1,067 STDs per 100,000 people in 2023 and had the highest rate of gonorrhea at 311 cases per 100,000. This adds up to about 2,280. Untreated gonorrhea can lead to serious health issues, including pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. And while the infection can usually be easily treated, some strains are resistant to commonly used antibiotics - making them harder to clear. Earlier this year in Alaska, an unnamed woman in her 50s died from disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) after contracting gonorrhea. This causes her to go into sepsis and heart failure. In DGI, gonorrhea infections travel to the bloodstream and infect organs throughout the body due to the infection going untreated. It's thought to occur in just 0.5 percent of gonorrhea cases. She is one of eight Alaskans to be identified with DGI since January of this year, the state health department said. The above chart from Invigor Medical shows the rate of STDs in the US by age group and sex Georgia, which had the fourth-highest rate of STDs overall, topped the list for HIV infections. It had an HIV rate of 25.5 per 100,000, totaling 2,359 cases. Nationwide, the HIV rate is 14 cases per 100,000 people. HIV, which stands for human immunodeficiency virus, attacks the body's immune system and leaves it unable to fight off foreign invaders. Left untreated, it can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Georgia's high rate could be from recent HIV outbreaks in the Atlanta area. South Dakota rounded out the top five with an overall STD rate of 1,015 per 100,000. It also had the highest rate of syphilis at 223 per 100,000 or roughly 2,000 cases. Syphilis among all ages is on the rise nationwide, increasing nearly 80 percent over the past five years, and the surge is worrying public health officials, as the disease can advance to damage the brain, nerves, eyes, and heart if it goes untreated. Symptoms begin with small open sores on the genitals, mouth, or rectum, as well as enlarged lymph nodes. In the second stage, a skin rash develops, as well as genitals sores, fever, muscle and joint pain, vision changes, and loss of appetite. When the infection advances further, it can inflame and damage heart valves and slowly degrade the brain, causing personality changes, memory loss, difficulty making decisions, and strokes. On the other end of the spectrum, Vermont recorded the fewest STD cases with a rate of 241 per 100,000. Schools in the state have more robust sexual health education programs than in other areas like the south. Its largest demographic is also over 60, a group historically less affected by STDs.
Indian Express
14-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
‘Finally seen, heard': Sex workers at India's largest red-light area Sonagachi say healthcare access has improved
From access to healthcare to a slow but steady reduction in stigma, sex workers in Kolkata's Sonagachi, which is India's largest red-light area, say they are finally being seen and heard. Once faced with discrimination and barriers to medical care, many sex workers now report improved treatment at government hospitals and clinics. 'Now we are not treated differently. I go for check-ups in government hospitals, stand in the queue like every other patient, and get treated without facing discrimination,' said Dolly, 34, a sex worker in Sonagachi. A key factor behind this shift has been the work of the Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee (DMSC) — a collective run by and for sex workers that has completed 30 years of work across West Bengal. Durbar operates 51 free clinics for sex workers in the state, including health centres in Sonagachi that offer HIV and STD testing, low-cost medicines, and regular health check-ups in safe and non-judgmental spaces. To mark its 30th anniversary, DMSC is hosting a community fair from July 12 to 15 at Rabindra Kanan Park in Kolkata, celebrating the lives and livelihood of sex workers. The event featured panel discussions with doctors from across the state, who spoke about the prevention and early detection of HIV, STDs, breast cancer and cervical cancer. Guidelines on menstrual hygiene and care during menstruation were also shared. 'Previously there was a taboo — people believed sex workers were not from our class, not like us,' said Dr Soma Dutta, a Kolkata-based gynaecologist. 'But with more education, awareness programmes, and the consistent work by DMSC, even hospitals are more inclusive now.' 'DMSC has helped us gain confidence. Earlier, doctors and nurses refused to treat us because of our profession. Now, we are treated like any other human being,' said Nila, 45. 'After all, we are human beings too, and we deserve respect.'
Bangkok Post
13-07-2025
- Health
- Bangkok Post
Uni condom project gains momentum
In the quiet corners of Kasetsart University's Bang Khen campus -- inside male toilets, the canteen's restroom, and student activity buildings -- an unusual yet increasingly essential amenity has quietly appeared: boxes filled with condoms. Stocked with 4,000 condoms in various sizes, these boxes are replenished monthly by the university's Office of Student Affairs, aiming to meet growing demand among students for safe sex options. This initiative comes at a time of heightened concern among public health officials over rising rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), particularly syphilis and Aids, among young Thais. With students paying closer attention to sexual health, the university's effort offers both accessibility and privacy -- key ingredients in a campaign that is not just about free contraception but also about breaking taboos. Anirut Narungsri, former Vice Chairman of the Office of Student Affairs at Kasetsart University, said the idea of free condom distribution was part of his election campaign. "It was meant as a welfare project," he said. "Many students want to practise safe sex but don't want to deal with the embarrassment of buying condoms from shops." The office reached out to several agencies to make the project feasible. Most of the condoms were provided by the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand, whose terms were less restrictive compared to state-owned organisations like the National Health Security Office. Placement was also carefully considered. "We chose private locations to reduce embarrassment," Mr Anirut said. "The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. The boxes run out quickly, and we often receive messages from students when they're empty." His larger concern, however, is societal perception. "The real challenge is changing adult attitudes. For students, condoms are already recognised as a preventive tool, not something shameful. It's about responsibility -- to themselves and their partners." Such efforts are more necessary than ever. The Department of Disease Control under the Ministry of Public Health says Thailand recorded 13,708 cases of syphilis between October and March -- an infection rate of 21.1 per 100,000 people. Five deaths were reported, at a rate of 0.01 per 100,000. Pongtorn Chartpituck, chief of the Bureau of Aids and Sexually Transmitted Infections, said syphilis cases have tripled in the past five years. Alarmingly, one-third of the infected were adolescents aged 15–24. This corresponds with findings from a recent survey on condom usage: only 43% of respondents reported consistent use, while 24% admitted they had never used a condom at all. Further analysis revealed the barriers: 27% said they felt uncomfortable purchasing condoms in shops, 11% feared being seen as sex-obsessed if they carried one, and 5% believed that carrying condoms could suggest distrust in a partner. "A drop in condom use is a major factor in the resurgence of syphilis," Dr Pongtorn noted. "While HIV infections remain stable -- approximately 5,000 new cases per year, thanks in part to antiviral drugs -- the same cannot be said for other STDs. The challenge now is to encourage those at risk to adopt condoms as part of their routine." He raised particular concern over congenital syphilis, transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy. Cases of infants born with the disease have surged fivefold, from 273 in 2018 to 1,290 last year. The Ministry of Public Health has laid out a condom strategy for 2020–2030. This forms part of the national framework to end Aids by 2030. The plan has four key pillars: normalising condom use in daily life, increasing access, enhancing product quality, and building institutional support needed to sustain the strategy. Yet accessibility remains a sticking point, especially for young people. Thanakrit Jainaen, chair of the Children and Youth Council in Khon Kaen (a province ranked among the top five in STD prevalence) has encountered mixed reactions in schools. "When we conduct sex education sessions and promote condom use, students respond positively. But teachers often hesitate. Some feel it's inappropriate to discuss such topics with youth." The irony, Mr Thanakrit said, is that youngsters are already learning about sex online, often from inaccurate sources. "If schools don't step in to provide factual guidance, misinformation will continue to spread," he said. Surachet Phosaeng, Vice President of the Thailand Youth Institute (TYI), echoed these concerns. "While the government technically provides free condoms, the distribution is not user-friendly, especially for young people," he said. "They're mostly available in hospitals, via the Pao Tang app, or through village health volunteers. These environments can feel awkward and discouraging." Mr Surachet said the government must move beyond policy and into action. "We need an aggressive outreach," he said. "Promotion of condom use among high-risk groups must be intensified. Access needs to be convenient, discreet, and normalised. "We want stronger collaboration from all sectors to create a positive perception around condom use, particularly among youth. It's crucial to lowering infection rates," he said. TYI and the Department of Health Service Support held a nationwide survey last year involving 15,000 participants aged 15 to 21. The results were sobering: some 57% admitted to not using condoms during sex. Among them, 400 said they met partners through apps, and 450 through nightlife venues, circumstances that often come with heightened risk. With open minds and a steady supply of free condoms, the message is spreading: safe sex is smart, normal, and above all, responsible.
Business Wire
10-07-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Homespun AHF Ad Campaigns Target HIV Stigma, STD Testing
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has launched two new national billboard and outdoor advertising campaigns promoting sexual health and wellbeing, including prevention, testing, and treatment for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs or STDs) as well as care—and pushing back against stigma—for those living with HIV. The parallel, but visually different, campaigns each feature artwork with homespun feel coupled with a simple and straightforward message intended to both catch and challenge a viewer's attention, but then bring them closer to the intended message. The two campaigns will appear in nearly three dozen cities and regions across the U.S. where AHF provides care and services and will run for the next three months. The first campaign, 'HIV Stigma Sucks,' is a reboot of an earlier and popular outdoor AHF campaign. The scratch-your-head homespun twist here: The artwork features the simple three-word tagline, HIV Stigma Sucks, rendered in the old-time style of an embroidered sampler that one might find hanging on a grandmother's wall or gracing a pillow cover on her overstuffed davenport sofa. The artwork also features a red ribbon and drives to the URL, where individuals facing stigma and limited access to affirming healthcare can learn about and book an appointment with an AHF HIV specialist. The other campaign, 'Testing is Caring,' takes a more modern approach featuring contemporary photographs of upbeat, smiling same-sex male couples bookended by the tagline, 'Testing is Caring.' Again, the simple artwork here drives to the URL The homespun hook here is the artwork's down-to-earth declaration that something as simple as routine medical testing can be, or is a demonstration of care for oneself and one's partners. The 'Testing is Caring' outdoor advertisements started posting last week on billboards, bus interior cards, bus benches, posters, and transit shelters. The campaign will appear nationwide in 34 cities in 14 states, Washington, DC and Puerto Rico where AHF has clinics and Wellness Centers offering free STD testing and treatment, including in CALIFORNIA: Los Angeles, Oakland, San Diego & San Francisco; FLORIDA: Delray Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Ft. Meyers, Hialeah, Jacksonville, Liberty City, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, South Beach, St. Petersburg and West Palm Beach; GEORGIA: Atlanta; ILLINOIS: Chicago; LOUISIANA: Baton Rouge and New Orleans; MARYLAND, Baltimore; MISSISSIPPI: Jackson; NEW YORK: Bronx and Queens; NEVADA: Las Vegas; OHIO: Cleveland and Columbus; PENNSYLVANIA: Philadelphia; SOUTH CAROLINA: Columbia; TEXAS: Dallas, Houston, and Ft. Worth; and WASHINGTON: Seattle; WASHINGTON, DC and in PUERTO RICO. This campaign also appears in Spanish headlined, 'la prueba es cariño," and drives to the URL The 'HIV Stigma Sucks' outdoor advertisements started posting last week on billboards, bus interior cards, bus benches, posters, and transit shelters. The campaign will appear nationwide in 34 cities in 14 states and Washington, DC where AHF has clinics and Wellness Centers offering free STD testing and treatment, including in CALIFORNIA: Los Angeles, Oakland, San Diego & San Francisco; FLORIDA: Delray Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Ft. Meyers, Hialeah, Jacksonville, Liberty City, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, South Beach, St. Petersburg and West Palm Beach; GEORGIA: Atlanta; ILLINOIS: Chicago; LOUISIANA: Baton Rouge and New Orleans; MARYLAND, Baltimore; MISSISSIPPI: Jackson; NEW YORK: Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens; NEVADA: Las Vegas; OHIO: Cleveland and Columbus; PENNSYLVANIA: Philadelphia; SOUTH CAROLINA: Columbia; TEXAS: Dallas, Houston, and Ft. Worth; and WASHINGTON: Seattle; and WASHINGTON, DC. AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the world's largest HIV/AIDS healthcare organization, provides cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to more than 2.4 million individuals across 48 countries, including the U.S. and in Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region, and Eastern Europe. In January 2025, AHF received the MLK, Jr. Social Justice Award, The King Center's highest recognition for an organization leading work in the social justice arena. To learn more about AHF, visit us online at find us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
NDTV
09-06-2025
- General
- NDTV
Nearly 200-Year-Old Condom With Erotic Painting Goes On Display At Dutch Museum
An almost 200-year-old, mint-condition condom has been put up for display at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Believed to be made of a sheep's appendix and featuring an erotic print, showing a nun and three clergymen, the "luxury souvenier" is the first-ever contraceptive sheath to be added to the museum's art collection. "The inscription Voila mon choix, meaning 'There, that's my choice', makes the print a parody of both celibacy and the Judgement of Paris from Greek mythology," the museum highlighted. Since the artefact was put on display, the museum has been packed with people, both young and old. Rijksmuseum curator Joyce Zelen said the "response has been amazing", adding that she and her colleague had a hearty laugh when they first spotted the condom at an auction. 'We looked at it with UV light and suspect it was never actually used. It's also unclear whether the nun in the etching is pointing at the bald man, the thin man, or the one who looks slightly overweight.' Ms Zelen clarified. 'That way, any type of man could feel spoken to," she added. Condoms in olden age The condom, which dates back to 1830, is part of an exhibition on 19th-century prostitution and sexuality. Prints, drawings and photographs also form part of the display. Prior to the invention of vulcanised rubber in 1839, primitive condoms were made using linen, animal membranes or even turtle shells. However, they did little to protect from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or to prevent pregnancy. "In the 1830s, when this condom was made, the use of condoms was still frowned upon, especially by the church,' said Ms Zelen. 'They were mostly sold under the counter at brothels or barber shops, though there are some reports of luxury shops offering bespoke tailoring.' The Dutch museum stated it was "open to loan" the artefact out to other institutions, but noted that the condom was very delicate. It will be on display until the end of November.
