The Public Health Departments of Cass, Todd, and Wadena counties are encouraging area citizens to learn about sexually transmitted infections, one of the state's most persistent health problems. Public awareness and knowledge are critically low around the country and STIs remain at epidemic levels.
The Minnesota Department of Health received 15,785 new case reports of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis in 2005, a 7 percent increase from 2004 and the largest number of STIs ever reported in Minnesota in a single year. Health officials noted that nearly 7 out of every 10 chlamydia and gonorrhea cases occurred in teens and young adults. The latest estimates from American Social Health Association are:
- One in two Americans will contract an STD at some point in their lifetime.
- An estimated 65 million Americans are living with a viral STI.
- STIs are spreading at a rate of 15 million new cases each year.
- One in two sexually active persons will contract an STI by age 25.
- One in four teens contract an STI each year.
- Less than half of adults 18 to 44 have ever been tested for an STI other than HIV.
- More than 6 million Americans acquire genital warts each year.
- An estimated one in four Americans have genital herpes; and, about 1.6 million new infections occur each year.
The good news:
- STIs are largely preventable and most STIs are curable or can be controlled to prevent complications.
- The most reliable way to avoid transmission of STIs is to abstain from sexual intercourse (i.e. oral, vaginal, or anal sex) or to be in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner.
- Condoms, when used consistently and correctly, are highly effective in preventing transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. In addition, correct and consistent condom use can reduce the risk of other STIs.
- There are vaccines available to prevent hepatitis A or hepatitis B infections.
- There is a new vaccine to prevent some types of HPV infection, which can cause genital warts and cervical cancer.
- STI testing is available throughout Minnesota at medical clinics, family planning clinics and other selected community-based organizations.
- Some STI screening tests are simple and only require a urine test.
The bad news:
Left undiagnosed and untreated, STIs can lead to lifelong health problems, even death. STIs are linked to or can cause:
- Damage to joints, heart, reproductive organs, and the brain.
- Genital or anal cancers in both men and women.
- Increased risk of tubal pregnancies, which can be fatal.
- Infertility in both men and women.
- Liver problems and cancer.
- Blindness, deafness, birth defects, early delivery or stillborn infants of mothers who have had an STI during pregnancy.
- High risk of re-infection from sexual partners, who need treatment also.
Screening and resources
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- The only way to know if a person has an STI is by testing.
- Testing is available throughout Minnesota at medical clinics, physician offices, family planning clinics and selected community-based organizations.
- Free brochures and fact sheets are available online from the MDH Web site (at www.health.state.mn.us/index.html) with information on symptoms and how to prevent, test, and treat STIs.
- The Minnesota Family Planning and STI Hotline number is 1-800-78-FACTS voice/TTY.
- For women's health questions, visit www.healthymnwomen.org.
Public Health coordinates with the Community Action Council Family Planning Program to provide affordable and accessible family planning and STI prevention services in Cass, Todd and Wadena counties. For more information or an appointment call 1-877-275-6123.
