According to Innerbody Research’s latest annual study, the Top 25 U.S. cities with the highest STD rates have seen an alarming rise of sexually transmitted infections. Cities in the South and Florida continue to be disproportionately affected by STDs such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.
Among the hardest-hit cities is San Francisco, where infection rates have consistently been at the top of the annual list. The city has a high percentage of non-Hispanic black people and minority racial communities that are often marginalized and have limited access to healthcare services. Washington, D.C., and San Diego are also among the highest-ranking cities.
Experts have linked the rates of STDs in these cities to healthcare spending, as well as economic and racial disparities. The CDC’s data reveals that STD transmission rates are highest among non-Hispanic black people and lowest among non-Hispanic white people. Cities with higher rates of incarceration and residents without health insurance also tend to have higher disease rates.
Fortunately, advances in telemedicine have made getting tested for STDs easier and more convenient. Individuals can order their lab tests online and get tested from the comfort of their homes. It’s time to have an honest conversation about STDs and take action to address this growing epidemic.
Worst of the Worst: Ten cities with the highest STD rates
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the top 10 cities with the highest rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the United States are:
- Baltimore, Maryland with 2,004.2 cases per 100,000 people,
- Montgomery, Alabama;
- Jackson, Mississippi;
- San Francisco, California;
- New Orleans, Louisiana;
- Augusta, Georgia;
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
- St. Louis, Missouri;
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin;
- Newark, New Jersey.
Despite nationwide decreases in STD rates, some cities experienced notable increases in rankings from the previous year. Philadelphia had the most substantial increase, moving from 16th to 7th on the list. In contrast, cities like San Francisco and Baltimore experienced slight decreases from their previous rankings.
Notably, the burden of STDs often disproportionately affects marginalized communities, with black and Hispanic individuals experiencing higher rates of infection compared to their white counterparts. Racial and ethnic disparities in access to healthcare and health products also contribute to higher STD rates among these populations. Cities with military bases lead the list of American cities where the rate of STDs are growing at an alarming rate. Additionally, demographic and economic factors like incarceration rates, unstable housing and access to health care are often mentioned by health experts as a reason for this rapid spread.
If you reside in one of these cities and need to get tested without feeling embarrassed or visiting a medical provider, online STD testing is a popular option. Testing kits can be discreetly ordered online, returned via mail, and results can be received electronically. It is important to get tested regularly and have an honest conversation with partners to prevent the spread of STDs.
US cases of gonorrhea and syphilis surged to a 30-year high in 2020
US cases of gonorrhea and syphilis surged to a 30-year high in 2020, with experts citing disruptions to healthcare due to COVID-19 as contributing to the increase. Black and American Indian groups had the highest rates of STDs in America, with gay and bisexual men having the highest rates of chlamydia. The reduced access to care during the pandemic may have contributed to the surge, along with drug use and increased sexual activity. Despite the alarming increase in STD cases, many individuals may still feel uncomfortable seeking care in person. However, there are options for online STD testing that can be done in the privacy of your own home without having to visit a doctor. It’s important to take responsible actions and seek testing and treatment if needed to prevent further transmission and protect your own health.
The Most Prevalent STDs in the United States
Sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise in the United States, with certain cities being hit harder than others. According to recent data, rates of STDs are well above the national average in many cities across the country. In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the most prevalent STDs in the U.S. and which cities have the highest rates of infection. We’ll also discuss the importance of getting tested and how to do so without feeling embarrassed or having to visit a doctor’s office.
HIV
HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a sexually transmitted disease that attacks the body’s immune system. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, around 1.2 million people in the United States are currently living with HIV, with an average of 38,000 new cases reported each year. Among those affected, the disease disproportionately affects minority racial and ethnic groups, particularly non-Hispanic black people.
Early detection and treatment are critical in managing the condition, and regular testing is recommended for those at risk for exposure. Online testing options are available for those who may feel embarrassed or uncomfortable visiting a medical provider. It is important to have an honest conversation with sexual partners about your sexual history, practice safe sex, and access to healthcare to help prevent the transmission of HIV.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease caused by bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. In the US, gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted disease and thousands of people are infected each year. According to the CDC, the number of reported gonorrhea cases in 2019 was 616,392, a 5.7% increase from 2018. It is estimated that many more cases go unreported.
Gonorrhea is spread through vaginal, oral, or anal sex with an infected person. Common symptoms of gonorrhea include painful urination, discharge from the penis or vagina, and pain or discomfort during sex. If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious health complications.
In some cities, gonorrhea rates are higher than the national average. San Francisco, for example, had an infection rate of 371.2 cases per 100,000 people in 2019, compared to the national rate of 189.0. It is important to get tested regularly for gonorrhea if you are sexually active, particularly if you have multiple partners or if you engage in high-risk sexual behavior. Testing is now even easier and can be done online without embarrassment or having to visit a medical provider in person.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. In 2019, there were over 129,000 reported cases of syphilis in the United States, a 13% increase from the previous year. Syphilis can cause a wide range of symptoms, including sores or rashes on the genitals, mouth, or anus, fever, headache, and fatigue. If left untreated, syphilis can lead to serious long-term health problems, including damage to the brain, heart, and other organs.
Syphilis can be easily diagnosed through a blood test, and it is treatable with antibiotics. However, many people may not experience any symptoms and may not realize they have syphilis. It is important to get tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections, especially if you are sexually active with multiple partners. Online STD testing options are available for those who may feel uncomfortable visiting a doctor’s office or clinic. Don’t let embarrassment prevent you from getting tested and seeking treatment – early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the spread of syphilis and protect your health.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the United States, with over 1.8 million cases reported in 2018 alone. It is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis and can be easily spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Chlamydia often does not produce symptoms, especially in women, which can make it difficult to detect and treat. Left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.
While the infection affects people of all ages and ethnicities, it is particularly common among young people between the ages of 15 and 24. According to the CDC, the national average rate of Chlamydia infection is 539 cases per 100,000 people. However, certain regions and cities have much higher rates of infection, with some southern cities reporting rates more than twice the national average.
It’s important for sexually active individuals to get tested regularly for Chlamydia and other STDs. With the convenience of online testing options, there’s no reason to be embarrassed or avoid getting tested. Early detection and treatment can help prevent further transmission and serious health complications.
Getting an STD Test
When it comes to getting tested for STDs, there are a few different options available to you. One popular option is to go to your healthcare provider and get tested in person. This can be a good choice if you have a regular doctor and don’t mind discussing sensitive health information face-to-face.
However, if you’re looking for a more discreet option, online STD testing may be a good choice for you. There are several websites that offer fast, confidential STD testing from the comfort of your own home. Simply order your test online, collect your sample, and send it back to the lab for testing. In a few days, you’ll get your results and you can move forward with any necessary treatment.
It’s important to note that online STD testing may not be covered by insurance, so you’ll need to check with your provider beforehand to see what your options are. Additionally, while online testing can be very convenient, it’s always a good idea to talk to a medical provider if you have any concerns about your sexual health. They can provide guidance on testing and treatment options, as well as give you advice on prevention.