DDPHE Recognizes STI Awareness Week and Encourages Testing

DDPHE Recognizes STI Awareness Week and Encourages Testing

Published on April 16, 2024

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are on the rise, not only in Denver, but across the country. As STIs continue to pose a significant public health challenge, the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) is using STI Awareness Week (April 14-20) as an opportunity to emphasize the importance of prevention and education. When thinking about safer sex, remember protect, test, and talk!

STIs in Colorado

The most recent data available from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) show more than 2.5 million U.S. cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis reported in 2022. Young adults from ages 20 to 34 have the highest rates of infection.

While many STIs are increasing across Colorado, the recent rise in syphilis rates, including congenital syphilis (CS), is notable. Syphilis is a STI easily cured with antibiotic medicine, but it can cause permanent damage without proper treatment. Infection develops in stages (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary) and each stage can have different signs and symptoms.

Regular testing for syphilis is something Denverites should do if they are sexually active. According to the latest information from the CDC, primary and secondary syphilis, the most infectious stages, rates rose 72% in the US and rose 156% in Colorado from 2017-2021. During the same time, CS rates rose 219% in the US and rose 669% in Colorado. CS occurs when syphilis is passed to a baby during pregnancy. DDPHE recommends all pregnant people get screened for syphilis at the first prenatal visit, and at 28 weeks and delivery if the mother lives in a community with high syphilis rates or is at risk for syphilis.

Protect

The most reliable way to avoid STIs is to not have sex (i.e., anal, vaginal, or oral). For those who do have sex, there are other ways to prevent STIs. Correctly and consistently using condoms and dental dams are an effective way of preventing STIs. Using lubricant can also help reduce the risk of creating small tears in your skin that increase your chances of coming in contact with STIs. Learn more about using a condom or a dental dam.

Test

Because many STIs don't cause any immediate symptoms, it's important to get tested for STIs regularly. STI tests are quick, simple, and usually painless. For example, rapid HIV tests can provide results from just a swab inside the mouth in only 20 minutes. It's important to remember not all medical checkups include STI testing. Unless you ask your health care provider to test you, you can't assume you have been tested. Ask your healthcare provider which tests may be right for you. Find resources for free STI testing options in Denver at the DDPHE Sexual Health website.

Talk

Knowing your STI status is a critical step to stopping STI transmission. Talk to your partner about when you were last tested and suggest getting tested together. If you have an STI, tell your partner. These conversations may seem hard to have, but open communication with your partner is essential to staying healthy and stopping the spread of STIs. These conversations may also bring you closer together.

Want more information?

For information about STIs, free testing resources in Denver as well as where to find free condoms, visit the DDPHE Sexual Health website.

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