One in 5 Americans has a sexually transmitted infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). During Sexually Transmitted Diseases Awareness Week, April 12–17, the CDC encourages discussion, testing and help to remove the stigma surrounding sexually transmitted infections and diseases.

During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic reports of sexually transmitted infections decreased due to disruptions to health care and sexually transmitted infections testing services, reports the CDC. Reduced access to testing and diagnoses may have led some people to unwittingly spread infection. As clinics reopen, infections rates are again are on rise.

Dr. Abinash Virk, a Mayo Clinic infectious diseases physician, says rates of infection are rising, especially in younger populations.

Watch: Dr. Abinash Virk talks about sexually transmitted infections.

Journalists: Broadcast-quality sound bites with Dr. Virk are available in the downloads at the end of the post. Please courtesy: "Abinash Virk, M.D./Infectious Diseases/Mayo Clinic."

"The biggest concern with these sexually transmitted infections is that they occur in people between 15 and 24 years. That's the biggest age group that continues to have new and emerging infections. But the problem is that many of these infections are without symptoms. That means that people can transmit diseases to their sexual partner if they don't take precautions like wearing a condom or other protection to prevent transmission."

Sexually transmitted infections, including HPV, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, are transmitted person to person through sexual activity, including vaginal, oral and anal sex. Left untreated, sexually transmitted infections can lead to larger health problems.

"For women, which is the other group that had higher risk of sexually transmitted infections, it also has an impact on reproduction and fertility," says Dr. Virk. "Along with infertility, sexually transmitted diseases may cause HPV-associated cancers, such as cervical cancer in women or penile cancers in men."

There are more than 100 types of HPV. Certain strains of HPV also can contribute to cancers of the genitals, anus, mouth and upper respiratory tract.

"About 42 million people in the U.S. in 2018 were diagnosed with HPV, which can cause cancer," says Dr. Virk. "There's a vaccine for HPV that is very effective in preventing cervical cancer, cancer of the penis, other types of HPV-related cancers."

Treating sexually transmitted infections, especially gonorrhea, is a growing concern due to antibiotic resistance.

"There is emerging resistance, particularly among the gonorrhea bacteria. This has received international attention because there have been cases where the gonorrhea bacteria were completely resistant to antibiotics. We want to prevent that from happening. It's really important again for people to prevent gonorrhea from happening by using condoms and other precautions," Dr. Virk says.

When it comes to sexually transmitted infections, Dr. Virk urges everyone to have conversations with their sexual partners, use condoms and get tested regularly. "It's really important for people to be aware of their own health and to take precautions."

Related posts:

• Mayo Clinic Minute: Why HPV vaccine is important for preteens.
• Infectious Diseases A-Z: Rising STIs in the US.
• Infectious Diseases A–Z: Sexually transmitted infections at a record high.

Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting. Due to the fluid nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientific understanding, along with guidelines and recommendations, may have changed since the original publication date. 

For the safety of our patients, staff and visitors, Mayo Clinic has strict masking policies in place.  Anyone shown without a mask was either recorded prior to COVID-19 or recorded in a nonpatient care area where social distancing and other safety protocols were followed.

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DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I'm 19, and I think I might have a yeast infection. Or it could be trichomoniasis. My symptoms are vaginal odor, unstable periods and pain during sex. I don't feel comfortable going to the doctor about this. Is it safe to try an over-the-counter yeast infection treatment first to see if that works?

ANSWER: It is understandable to have some reservations about discussing personal topics, such as sexual health and vaginal issues. But to safeguard your health, it's extremely important for you to have an evaluation with a health care provider to identify the cause of your symptoms and determine the best treatment. Don't try any over-the-counter remedies without consulting a health care provider first.

In sexually active women, symptoms such as vaginal odor, unstable periods and pain during sex have a wide variety of potential causes. As you mention, it's possible you could have a vaginal yeast infection. This fungal infection is quite common, and it often can trigger vaginal pain and soreness. Odor is not a typical symptom of a yeast infection, however, and a yeast infection doesn't disrupt menstrual cycles.

The symptoms you describe also could be due to a sexually transmitted infection. The one you mention, trichomoniasis, causes foul-smelling vaginal discharge, genital itching and painful urination. But other sexual transmitted infections, including herpes, chlamydia and gonorrhea, can cause similar symptoms, too. Sexually transmitted infections are common, and they are increasing in frequency, especially in young people. Half of all new cases of sexually transmitted infections occur in people ages 15–24.

Even if you weren't having symptoms, you still should be screened at least once a year — and prior to sexual activity with a new partner — for chlamydia and gonorrhea. That's because these two sexually transmitted infections don't always cause symptoms in women, and they can lead to long-term health concerns, including infertility, if not treated. In addition, having an untreated sexually transmitted infection can increase the risk of getting another one, such as HIV or syphilis, if you are exposed.

Your irregular periods may or may not be related to your other symptoms. For example, thyroid and pituitary gland disorders can lead to unpredictable menstrual cycles. And irregular cycles in conjunction with pain while having sex could be caused by a disorder of the vagina or cervix, such as cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer screening is recommended, beginning at age 21, for all women. Because of your symptoms of irregular bleeding, though, that testing would be recommended now. And if you haven't already had it, you should also be vaccinated against HPV because certain strains of HPV can cause cervical cancer.

To sort through your symptoms and what they mean, you need to work with a health care provider who can thoroughly evaluate your condition, arrive at an accurate diagnosis and recommend treatment. In a case such as yours, it would be best to see your primary care provider or gynecologist. Other options include a public health clinic or a clinic specializing in women's health.

If your symptoms are causing ongoing problems that you feel need immediate attention, consider going to an urgent care center. If you are a college student, most college campuses have health centers where students can be evaluated for sexually transmitted infections. Or if they don't offer that service, they likely will be able to provide you with a list of resources available in the community.

Although talking about issues related to sexual health may be uncomfortable, keep in mind that these conversations are common for family medicine, internal medicine and gynecology health care providers. Discussing and managing symptoms associated with sex and reproduction is an important part of their training, and they can make sure that you get the care that you need. — Dr. M. Michelle Winscott, Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona

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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also referred to as sexually transmitted diseases, are at a record high in the U.S.

Sexually transmitted infections increased for the fifth consecutive year, with nearly 2.5 million combined cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, according to the annual Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance Report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Congenital syphilis can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, newborn death, and severe lifelong physical and neurological problems.

Dr. Gregory Poland, director of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group, says we are in crisis and this is a real issue not only in the U.S., but also around the world. "For instance, somebody who begins to be sexually active today in America will certainly get infected with human papillomavirus," says Dr. Poland. "That virus causes genital warts and about seven different cancers, but the important thing is that while we don't have a cure for HPV, we have a vaccine to prevent that infection."

"Others, like gonorrhea and syphilis, are becoming anti-biotic resistant," says Dr. Poland. "And then there's a whole host of less common sexually transmitted diseases, like HPV, that we have no cure for, but there are a few we can prevent." says Dr. Poland.

Watch: Dr. Poland discusses sexually transmitted infections.

Journalists: Broadcast-quality sound bites with Dr. Poland are in the downloads at the end of this post. Please "Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network." 

"These infections can be life-changing," says Dr. Poland. "There are complications to these. Some of them are incurable, and, so, people have to take appropriate precautions and not think that casual sex is without complication or concern."

"When somebody develops an STI they usually don't know it, and, so, they transmit it other people. And it acts like an amplifier through society," says Dr. Poland. For instance, he says women who get an STI can transmit it to their newborn infant. Cases of congenital syphilis — syphilis passed from a mother to her baby during pregnancy — increased 40% from 2017 to 2018, according to the CDC report.

Dr. Poland adds, "This is such a crisis that the CDC is now recommending women up to age 45 be immunized with the HPV vaccine. Before, it was age 26, and we’ve moved it up."

The post Infectious Diseases A–Z: Sexually transmitted infections at a record high appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES
Preventing golf injuries 
Although golf is a low-impact sport, it's associated with a significant number of injuries. Many golfing-related injuries are a result of poor mechanics or overuse. The most commonly injured area is the lower back, followed by the elbow, wrist and hand, and shoulder. Follow these tips to stay in shape on the course.

Nip seasonal allergies in the bud 
Spring means flower buds and blooming trees. And if you're one of the millions of people who have seasonal allergies, spring also means sneezing, congestion, a runny nose and other bothersome symptoms. Seasonal allergies, also called hay fever and allergic rhinitis, can make you miserable. Try these simple strategies to control seasonal allergies.

EXPERT ANSWERS
What causes laryngospasms? 
A laryngospasm is a spasm of the vocal cords that temporarily makes it difficult to speak or breathe. The cause of vocal cord spasms often is unknown, but conditions such as anxiety and acid reflux may be contributing factors or triggers. Learn more from Dr. Edward Rosenow III, an emeritus Mayo Clinic pulmonologist.

Should I stop taking long-acting beta agonists for asthma? 
Long-acting beta agonists are used on a regular schedule to open narrowed airways and prevent asthma attacks. In some studies, long-acting beta agonists have been linked to life-threatening asthma attacks — a risk that appears to be greatest when there is not also an inhaled corticosteroid in use. The benefits of long-acting beta agonists to control asthma generally outweigh the risks if they're used as recommended. Learn more from Dr. James Li, a Mayo Clinic allergist and immunologist.

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Need practical advice on diet and exercise? Want creative solutions for stress and other lifestyle issues? Discover more healthy lifestyle topics at mayoclinic.org. 

Receive a free e-subscription to Housecall and other health newsletters.

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On the Mayo Clinic Radio podcast, Dr. Keith Knutson, an immunologist at Mayo Clinic, discusses the research and clinical trials at Mayo Clinic that are putting immunotherapy into action. Also on the podcast, Dr. Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, chair of the Division of Preventive Cardiology at Mayo Clinic and research director of the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center, will explain how even light activity, such as walking the dog or vacuuming, is better for you than previously thought. And Dr. Gail Bolan, director of the Division of STD Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, discusses the rise in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

The post #MayoClinicRadio podcast: 1/27/18 appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

On the next Mayo Clinic Radio program, Dr. Keith Knutson, an immunologist at Mayo Clinic, will discuss the research and clinical trials at Mayo Clinic that are putting immunotherapy into action. Also on the program, Dr. Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, chair of the Division of Preventive Cardiology at Mayo Clinic and research director of the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center, will explain how even light activity, such as walking the dog or vacuuming, is better for you than previously thought. And Dr. Gail Bolan, director of the Division of STD Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will discuss the rise in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Here's your Mayo Clinic Radio podcast

The post Immunotherapy / benefits of light activity / rise in STDs: Mayo Clinic Radio appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

On the next Mayo Clinic Radio program, Dr. Keith Knutson, an immunologist at Mayo Clinic, will discuss the research and clinical trials at Mayo Clinic that are putting immunotherapy into action. Also on the program, Dr. Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, chair of the Division of Preventive Cardiology at Mayo Clinic and research director of the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center, will explain how even light activity, such as walking the dog or vacuuming, is better for you than previously thought. And Dr. Gail Bolan, director of the Division of STD Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will discuss the rise in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

To hear the program, find an affiliate in your area.

Follow #MayoClinicRadio, and tweet your questions.

Mayo Clinic Radio is on iHeartRadio.

Mayo Clinic Radio produces a weekly one-hour radio program highlighting health and medical information from Mayo Clinic.

Access archived shows.

The post Mayo Clinic Radio: Immunotherapy to fight cancer appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

On the next Mayo Clinic Radio program, Dr. Keith Knutson, an immunologist at Mayo Clinic, will discuss the research and clinical trials at Mayo Clinic that are putting immunotherapy into action. Also on the program, Dr. Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, chair of the Division of Preventive Cardiology at Mayo Clinic and research director of the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center, will explain how even light activity, such as walking the dog or vacuuming, is better for you than previously thought. And Dr. Gail Bolan, director of the Division of STD Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will discuss the rise in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

To hear the program, find an affiliate in your area.

Miss the show?  Here's your Mayo Clinic Radio podcast.

Follow #MayoClinicRadio, and tweet your questions.

Mayo Clinic Radio is on iHeartRadio.

Mayo Clinic Radio produces a weekly one-hour radio program highlighting health and medical information from Mayo Clinic.

Access archived shows.

The post Mayo Clinic Radio: Immunotherapy / benefits of light activity / rise in STDs appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

STD testing: What's right for you?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are common, but the types of STD testing you may need depends on your age, sexual behaviors and other risk factors. In many cases, there are neither signs nor symptoms. That's why many experts prefer the term sexually transmitted infections, because you can have an infection without disease symptoms. Find out more about STD testing guidelines and what might be right for you.

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What can I do about my insomnia?
Waking up in the middle of the night is called insomnia, and it's a common problem. Insomnia often occur during periods of stress. Over-the-counter sleep aids rarely offer significant or sustained help for this problem. There are some lifestyle strategies that may help, though. Learn more from Dr. Timothy Morgenthaler, a Mayo Clinic pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist.

Can I manage my hot flashes without medication?
Hot flashes are the most common symptom of the menopausal transition. They can vary in frequency, intensity and duration. On average, symptoms persist for more than seven years. In the meantime, you may be able to get a handle on hot flashes by making some simple changes, such as dressing in layers and learning to relax. Learn more from Dr. Shannon Laughlin-Tommaso, a Mayo Clinic OB-GYN.

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Invest in a new toothbrush or a replacement head for your electric or battery-operated toothbrush every three to four months. Change it sooner if the bristles become irregular or frayed. Keeping a toothbrush for too long makes it difficult to clean your teeth well.

Need practical advice on diet and exercise? Want creative solutions for stress and other lifestyle issues? Discover more healthy lifestyle topics at mayoclinic.org.

Receive a free e-subscription to Housecall and other health newsletters.

The post Housecall: The importance of a healthy mouth appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Sexually transmitted infections (STI) have increased in the U.S. for the third year in a row, according to a new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The 2016 Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance Report shows more than 2 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis were reported in the U.S.– the highest number ever.

"Worsening trends are always concerning," says, Dr. Stacey Rizza, Mayo Clinic infectious diseases specialist. "This is a public health issue. More infections mean more transmissions. We need better screening for STIs, better education to the public to use barrier protection, and need people get checked for STIs and then to get treated."

“STIs can cause a number of health issues including infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, congenital abnormalities to unborn fetuses, urethritis and orchitis," says Dr. Rizza

Sexually transmitted bacterial and parasitic infections including including gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia are commonly treated with antibiotics. "Antibiotics may help once the infection has been diagnosed, but are of no use if people don’t get checked, or already have damage done before being diagnosed and treated," says Dr. Rizza. "Unfortunately, some STIs have growing antibiotic resistance."

Gonorrhea has grown increasingly resistant to antibiotics used to treat it–a result of misuse and overuse of antibiotics.

The CDC estimates there are 20 million new STIs in the U.S. each year, and half are among people ages 15 to 24.

Read more

• Infectious Diseases A-Z: STIs are on the rise
• Mayo Clinic Minute: STDs at all-time high
• STDs becoming antibiotic-resistant

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