STIs and Women’s Health

The Rise of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Ohio

Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, are on the rise in Ohio and nationwide. Formerly referred to as STD’s (sexually transmitted diseases), STIs are often a topic that goes undiscussed and swept under the table. With rates on the rise, it’s more likely than ever that ladies in Ohio are being affected. Because these infections can impact our long term reproductive health, it’s time we start talking about them!

There are three types of sexually transmitted infections: viral, parasitic, and bacterial infections. The CDC does keep a record of all three categories of infections, however, there is a push to recognize and treat those in the bacterial group. For the purposes of this article, we will focus on the bacterial class and how they can impact women’s health.

Let’s take a closer look at the facts:

What Are Bacterial STIs?

Gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis are examples of bacterial STIs. These are among the infections the CDC closely tracks and reports on. It is this category that has seen a rise in cases over the last few years. While bacterial infections are easily treated with antibiotic therapy, many people are not receiving timely treatment. Bacterial STIs do not always yield symptoms, which is why they commonly go undetected and spread more rampantly.

• Screening For Bacterial STIs: Screening for this category of infections is frequently done with a urine specimen, or a cervical or urethral swab. Most clinics and healthcare providers will test women under 25 who are sexually active, as well as women above age 25 who are at high risk (having multiple partners or an infected partner).
• Treatment For Bacterial STIs: Treatment consists of oral antibiotics and is generally inexpensive and widely available. Detection, not treatment, is really where the gap between infection and cure lies. This is why testing remains so important.

National Rates For Bacterial STIs

The latest data from the CDC in 2022 shows that chlamydia is the most common bacterial STI in the US, with almost 1.6 million cases. Gonorrhea cases have risen significantly, with more than 648,000 cases, and there has been a surge in syphilis cases—207,000+ cases, which is an 80 percent increase from 2018.

Bacterial STIs In Ohio

The most recent data from the Ohio Department of Health shows that the trend of increasing STIs continues. As of the latest reports, chlamydia remains the most common, with more than 70,000 cases reported annually. Gonorrhea has risen to around 29,000 cases, and syphilis, although less common, has also seen an uptick, now reporting over 1,000 cases statewide. Ohio’s ranking among states for bacterial infections is in the Top 15 nationally for reported cases.

What Happens When Bacterial STIs Go Untreated?

The number of bacterial STIs are increasing quickly, spurring a greater push for education and screening. Risks associated with untreated bacterial infections can be serious and include pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, birth defects, stillborn infants, cancer, increased risk of HIV transmission, and death. The longer the infection is present, the more opportunity it has to spread, potentially resulting in the aforementioned complications.

No matter what you’re considering, these are some complications to be aware of that can be brought about by an untreated STI:

• STIs And Pregnancy: Some STIs have the ability to be transferred during pregnancy to the infant by blood or through exposure to the infection at the time of delivery. The effects of infection on the neonate can range from blindness to infant mortality. Early detection and treatment are of utmost importance.
• STIs And Abortion: When considering an abortion, it is appropriate at this time also, to rule out the presence of a bacterial infection. Abortion, both by means of ‘the pill’ and surgical procedure, causes the cervix to dilate and drastically increases the chance that bacteria will travel into the uterus and cause a pelvic inflammatory response. The spread of infection into the uterus and pelvic organs can be very painful, and the resulting scar tissue can lead to a lifetime of reproductive issues, including infertility. Not all clinics will screen for bacterial infections. With the risks clear, it is important to find a clinic that prioritizes your health and tests for STIs before performing an abortion.

Protect Your Health With STI Testing

With an overall increase in many STIs being reported in Ohio and nationwide, prevention and early detection are of paramount importance. If you think you could be pregnant and would like to learn more about how STIs impact pregnancy and pregnancy termination, as well as to start the STI screening and treatment process, call Bella Women’s Center for an appointment today.

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