Michigan health officials say sexually transmitted disease are on the rise, both nationally and state-wide.
Earlier this month, Centers for Disease Control officialsnoted that STDs were at an all-time high across the country.
Now, state officials are painting a clearer local picture. In one year’s time, Michigan saw a 10% increase in Gonorrhea cases, a 36% increase in syphilis cases, and a 1% increase in chlamydia.
Lynn Sutfin is a spokesperson with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
“Not using condoms, multiple partners, there have been a little study of some of the dating apps that allow people to meet up quickly. All of those things contributing to this increase we’re seeing across the country,” she said.
Sutfin said people can be carriers without even knowing it.
“Individuals don’t realize they may have one of these STDs because oftentimes, particularly in women, there may not be any symptoms so they are able to pass these diseases on without realizing they are doing so,” she said.
Symptoms in men include burning urination, discharge, rashes or sores.
Undiagnosed and untreated STDs can have severe adverse health impacts including infertility and increased HIV risk.
“Some of the things people can do to prevent getting an STD first of all is understanding the risk, abstaining for sex will prevent that. Reducing the number of partners and consistently and correctly using condoms are all very effective strategies that will help prevent the spread of these STDs,” Sutfin said.
Sutfin urged residents to use proper protection and to get tested for STDs - even if they don’t think they have anything.
Increases in STDs were found largely in adolecents, African American men and women, and men who have sex with men.