Stay cool, but these 3 STDs may be becoming untreatable
Okay, this news is a little scary, but we’re going to work through it together.
Three STDs may be becoming untreatable, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea are growing resistant to antibiotics, which is bad news.
Though it’s not an epidemic yet, the WHO wants to do everything they can to prevent that from happening.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noticed an “alarming” increase in STDs back in November, stating that there were approximately 20 million (!) new infections per year for people 15 to 25 years old.
Of the three, gonorrhea is the most resistant to drugs, like penicillin, though all three STDs are on the rise, particularly among 20- to 24-year-old women.
The CDC’s latest stats are from 2014.
- Syphilis increased 15.1 percent
- Gonorrhea increased 5.1 percent
- Chlamydia increased 2.5 percent
The last increase was in 2006 (!).
Within the U.S., chlamydia and syphilis have not become drug-resistant…yet. However, in other parts of the world, they are, states the WHO.
What do we do about this?!
Of course, safe sex (i.e., condoms) is key. Remember that the pill and contraceptives like IUDs offer limited or no protection from STDs. Plus, be honest with your partner, of course, about your sexual health.
The CDC also recommends getting hepatitis B and HPV vaccinations, as well as reducing your number of sex partners and being monogamous.
It’s also good to get tested regularly, as many STDs don’t show symptoms right away.
You can go to Planned Parenthood (yes, guys, you, too!) or even find free clinics to get tested via Tinder and their “Health Safety” section. (I know, right?!)
PSA of the day: Remember, it only takes one non-safe sex incident to put yourself at risk.
Meanwhile, the WHO has created a dual treatment therapy for gonorrhea.
However, new treatments could take years to make and become available on the market, so that goes back to the safe sex issue: #SafetyFirst, amirite?!
