3 STD rates hit record high in the USA.

[Walker1]

https://www.usnews.com/news/healthiest-communities/articles/2019-10-08/stds-hit-record-high-in-us

 

This is in the overall community-not just us. I wonder why it has changed?

[loremipsum]

More people are having more sex? More people are getting tested and therefore more cases are diagnosed?

[Chad Constantine]

Probably because of Truvada.

[loremipsum]

I read that diagnoses of HIV are also up after having taken a downturn in recent years past. An interesting theory posits that during the 90s and the aughts of this century, the devastating AIDS crisis was still fresh in the minds and hearts of people, leading to more precautionary measures. Then a new generation (mine, I guess) came along who DIDN’T watch friends and family die of it, didn’t witness the horrendous ravages of the disease, didn’t experience the climate of fear and uncertainty, but have seen the emergence and subsequent success of anti-retroviral drugs and ipso facto feel safer, thus culminating in a new season of unsafeness.

[kenomora]

I highly doubt the overall increase in STIs had anything to do with PrEP. There aren't that many people taking PrEP but the overall increase is seen in all demographics. For example, as the article indicates, there is an alarming increase in congenital syphilis, and PrEP probably has little to do with that finding. There is, however, a recent report that demonstrated an association between PrEP use and higher incidence of STIs in certain populations. There remains a lot to be discussed about the results from that study, but regardless of whether the association was valid, PrEP really works and these findings should NOT prevent providers from prescribing PrEP to those who want it. Instead, providers should encourage more frequent STI (non-HIV) testing especially in PrEP takers who inconsistently use or do not use condoms during casual encounters. Testing more frequently doesn't hurt, provides a peace of mind, and could save one from unnecessary agony or even death from other STIs.

[loremipsum]

Testing more frequently doesn't hurt, provides a peace of mind

 

Yep, save during the actual testing and waiting-for-results process. There’s always an element of abject terror to it all for me, even when I’m almost 100% certain that I’m in the clear, that my getting tested is a mere formality.

 

A few of my friends have stated outright that they wouldn’t be bothered if they were to contract the virus, due to the great efficacy of modern drugs. I, on the other hand, would be a little perturbed.

[kenomora]

Yep, save during the actual testing and waiting-for-results process. There’s always an element of abject terror to it all for me, even when I’m almost 100% certain that I’m in the clear, that my getting tested is a mere formality.

 

Oh yes I totally get the absolute terror before you get the results! However, if you're taking PrEP properly at least you wouldn't contract HIV, right? I mean, HIV is now considered just another chronic disease that you'd need to take meds for regularly, but other stuff can be treated and cured (syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea - although gonorrhea is getting more resistant everyday) and it's all much easier to treat in early phases. Even some hepatitis can be cured.

[loremipsum]

Oh yes I totally get the absolute terror before you get the results!

 

Thanks for commiserating ?

 

but other stuff can be treated and cured (syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea - although gonorrhea is getting more resistant everyday) and it's all much easier to treat in early phases. Even some hepatitis can be cured.

 

Not to throw shade, but I couldn’t help but notice something glaring at me here — a mindset that may play some small role in an STI spike ?? ... The fact that with greater sex education or general awareness in modern times, more people know that they are so easily treated — perhaps spawning a slightly more lackadaisical approach to preventive measures — it may be a case of the law of unintended consequences.

[Chad Constantine]

http://www.aidsmap.com/news/oct-2018/380000-people-prep-globally-mostly-usa-and-africa-updated

 

So probably because you're horrible at math. Probably.

[MEDIA=giphy]yTAugkkABvlfO[/MEDIA]

If you say so.

[EZEtoGRU]

People are less fearful of contracting HIV now...partly because of PrEP....but also because the treatments for HIV are so much better today. The end result is that condom use has declined. Therefore, the incidence of STI stats has gone up. Spend some time talking with Str8/bi male strippers. They openly confess that they rarely use condoms when having sex with women.

[Monarchy79]

Easy answer to this:

 

PrEP

 

People are now carelessly barebacking like feral cats in heat, and because this pill prevents ONE disease, they stupidly see no use for condoms that protect from most of the other 8-10 infections.

People have made claims that condoms aren’t 100% effective as a means to support not using anything.... (which is idiotic), but the fact is that when people were using condoms more, the STD rates were lower.

[Monarchy79]

People are less fearful of contracting HIV now...partly because of PrEP....but also because the treatments for HIV are so much better today. The end result is that condom use has declined. Therefore, the incidence of STI stats has gone up. Spend some time talking with Str8/bi male strippers. They openly confess that they rarely use condoms when having sex with women.

Thanks for commiserating ?

 

 

 

Not to throw shade, but I couldn’t help but notice something glaring at me here — a mindset that may play some small role in an STI spike ?? ... The fact that with greater sex education or general awareness in modern times, more people know that they are so easily treated — perhaps spawning a slightly more lackadaisical approach to preventive measures — it may be a case of the law of unintended consequences.

Getting “easily” treated only works when the STD is detected. In many cases these STDs can be asymptomatic in men for longer periods of time while they are spreading them through careless activities.

 

I don’t think that the issue is greater sex education, it’s the depletion of common sense.

People seem to have this pseudo-intellectual-non-chalant, approach to sexual health, and it’s annoying and flat out infuriating.

 

if you ever want to see how reckless people are, volunteer at a health care organization or free clinic.

I did for one month and had to quit out of the temptation to tell people they are flat out idiots....

 

One guy came in, admitted he already had herpes, and after being tested, due to various symptoms, found out that he also contracted genitalia warts, syphyllis, and chlamydia... damned near the only thing he luckily didn’t have was HIV...he was proud to say he was popping his PrEP pills, nonetheless.

 

and he also stated that he wouldn’t change his sexual practices either (condomless-bisexual-barebacking, with all holes “utilized”)

[Monarchy79]

Oh yes I totally get the absolute terror before you get the results! However, if you're taking PrEP properly at least you wouldn't contract HIV, right? I mean, HIV is now considered just another chronic disease that you'd need to take meds for regularly, but other stuff can be treated and cured (syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea - although gonorrhea is getting more resistant everyday) and it's all much easier to treat in early phases. Even some hepatitis can be cured.

“Just another chronic disease”....

 

its not the common cold... and taking medication regularly for the rest of your life, and having side effects that could impact the functions of your organs isn’t something to take lightly either.

I absolutely get the point of erasing the stigma of associated with having HIV, but it still should be taken very seriously as a disease.

 

and we should take precautions seriously too .

[Monarchy79]

https://www.usnews.com/news/healthiest-communities/articles/2019-10-08/stds-hit-record-high-in-us

 

This is in the overall community-not just us. I wonder why it has changed?

 

The newer generations are hooking up in record speeds, due to apps... they literally are ordering sex like ordering a happy meal from McDonald’s....

 

And now both straight and gays naively think condoms are useless, so the STDs are spreading.... humans now have less control and discernment when it comes to sex, than a dog in heat.

[loremipsum]

People seem to have this pseudo-intellectual-non-chalant, approach to sexual health, and it’s annoying and flat out infuriating

 

The newer generations are hooking up in record speeds, due to apps... they literally are ordering sex like ordering a happy meal from McDonald’s....

 

And now both straight and gays naively think condoms are useless, so the STDs are spreading.... humans now have less control and discernment when it comes to sex, than a dog in heat.

 

I’d venture that the people of whom you speak would probably label you as “sex-negative,” a popular buzzword along with “sex-positive.”

[loremipsum]

if you ever want to see how reckless people are, volunteer at a health care organization or free clinic.

I did for one month and had to quit out of the temptation to tell people they are flat out idiots....

 

 

My friend worked at a small clinic as the front-desk receptionist. The clinic administered both the rapid (the results for which you have to wait two weeks) and early tests (results rendered within sixty seconds). In his capacity as receptionist, he was privy to someone testing positive, as they had to arrange matters to make the appointment longer and possibly push back another to accommodate it. He said the most awkward part of the job was seeing the tested-positive people walk out and having to say "Bye, have a nice day" in a falsely cheery voice. He also (perhaps unethically ?) related anecdotes such as a couple coming in to get tested together — one tested negative, the other positive. The former berated the latter right then and there, ostensibly inferring that his partner had been unfaithful. My friend also intimated that "it's usually the cute ones" who test positive.

[Islesguy]

Oh yes I totally get the absolute terror before you get the results! However, if you're taking PrEP properly at least you wouldn't contract HIV, right? I mean, HIV is now considered just another chronic disease that you'd need to take meds for regularly, but other stuff can be treated and cured (syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea - although gonorrhea is getting more resistant everyday) and it's all much easier to treat in early phases. Even some hepatitis can be cured.

Anyone who says something is just "another chronic disease" has never lived with a chronic disease. Chronic diseases suck. You are forever taking multiple medications, seeing untold number of specialists and always worrying about potential hospitalizations. Not only that but you might have physical limitations and have the lovely experience of being treated as less than by your abled counterparts. I wouldn't wish a chronic illness on my worst enemy.

[+ José Soplanucas]

Yep, save during the actual testing and waiting-for-results process. There’s always an element of abject terror to it all for me, even when I’m almost 100% certain that I’m in the clear, that my getting tested is a mere formality.

 

A few of my friends have stated outright that they wouldn’t be bothered if they were to contract the virus, due to the great efficacy of modern drugs. I, on the other hand, would be a little perturbed.

People are less fearful of contracting HIV now...partly because of PrEP....but also because the treatments for HIV are so much better today.

 

I think it is more accurate to talk about less fear than about not caring at all. I am on PrEP, having lots of sex with no condoms (which is not unprotected sex, sex negative morons), and I think I am taking all the rational (to me) precautions. I would not say I am careless. Although I do not pretend to be the measurement for everyone else, I think I am representative of most PrEP users in this point.

[+ Charlie]

I ran an AIDS information hotline in the 1980s. The callers' ignorance, not only about medical matters but about sex in general, was often mind-blowing. Younger people nowadays think they are much more sophisticated, but most of them probably still believe the self-consoling myths that people have always adopted to justify whatever it is that they do.

[Monarchy79]

I think it is more accurate to talk about less fear than about not caring at all. I am on PrEP, having lots of sex with no condoms (which is not unprotected sex, sex negative morons), and I think I am taking all the rational (to me) precautions. I would not say I am careless. Although I do not pretend to be the measurement for everyone else, I think I am representative of most PrEP users in this point.

 

you are definitely representative of most PrEP users. Your ideas on “precautions”, risk, and “safe sex”, is spot on with most PrEP users for sure.

[Monarchy79]

I ran an AIDS information hotline in the 1980s. The callers' ignorance, not only about medical matters but about sex in general, was often mind-blowing. Younger people nowadays think they are much more sophisticated, but most of them probably still believe the self-consoling myths that people have always adopted to justify whatever it is that they do.

 

exactly!!!

[Monarchy79]

I’d venture that the people of whom you speak would probably label you as “sex-negative,” a popular buzzword along with “sex-positive.”

Oh of course...

 

I’m also “judgmental”.... lol

[+ sync]

I imagine the surging rate of congenital syphilis can only escalate from the relentless political-legal assaults upon Planned Parenthood.

[Monarchy79]

I’d venture that the people of whom you speak would probably label you as “sex-negative,” a popular buzzword along with “sex-positive.”

I’d venture that the people of whom you speak would probably label you as “sex-negative,” a popular buzzword along with “sex-positive.”

 

I consider those terms to be part of the bullshit, new-fangled, philosophies of “anything goes”, and the idea that no one should be held accountable for their actions or behaviors... (and acknowledging it is considered “judging” ?)

 

I’m not at all puritanical.... however, trying to figure out why people behave the way that they do (especially when it’s flat out reckless), is not sex negative... it’s calling a thing, a thing...

[+ José Soplanucas]

I consider those terms to be part of the bullshit, new-fangled, philosophies of “anything goes”, and the idea that no one should be held accountable for their actions or behaviors... (and acknowledging it is considered “judging” ?)

 

I’m not at all puritanical.... however, trying to figure out why people behave the way that they do (especially when it’s flat out reckless), is not sex negative... it’s calling a thing, a thing...

 

I am all for calling a thing a thing. You are puritanical and judgmental. One thing is holding people accountable for their wrong actions, and another thing is projecting our own values to everyone else. You crossed that line.