Displaying items by tag: sexually transmitted disease

By Lori Kuykendall, MPH, President of Beacon Health Education Resources (www.beaconhealthed.com)

Sexually transmitted infections have risen to all-time record highs across the nation. There are 26 million new infections each year, with half occurring in young people under age 25. Nearly twice as much money is spent on direct medical costs associated with STIs than on teen pregnancy. Sexually active singles are more likely to have an STI than to be pregnant.

The fastest-growing numbers of new infections are cases of congenital (newborn) syphilis, which presents serious health risks. In 2023, there were 3,882 babies born in the U.S. with congenital syphilis, and 279 of them died. While syphilis is a curable bacterial infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “condoms will not protect” against syphilis because it can spread through skin-to-skin contact. Unfortunately, this information is not widely known or understood.

We want to be prepared to promote holistic sexual wellness and flourishing with all our clients, and sharing medically accurate information and resources about STIs is an important part of serving them well. Whether your center offers STI testing or not, addressing both female and male clients about their risks and need for screening and/or treatment can be an opportunity to care for them and to continue building a supportive relationship.

The CDC is a good place to begin for current information on the most common bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. Client advocates and medical staff should have a working knowledge of how the infections spread (modes of transmission), their short- and long-term health risks, and the varying levels of risk reduction offered by condoms. In addition to the physical risks, STIs can bring significant emotional and relational consequences as well.

Pregnancy Clients — Every pregnant client needs support in starting and following through with prenatal care that will include comprehensive STI screening (and treatment if needed). Centers may provide this themselves or work with local health care providers to ensure clients receive the necessary care. Several STIs pose serious risks to babies, passing directly during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding. Ensure your client understands these risks and follows through with appropriate testing.

Negative Test Clients — For the occasional pregnancy test client whose test comes back negative, she (and her partner, if present) may feel relieved and ready to go on their way. We have the opportunity to ask about STIs and encourage testing. STIs can be a place of vulnerability that opens a “window to their heart,” enabling you to address deeper lifestyle and relationship issues. A simple question like, “Is not having sex an option for you?” can gently help them reflect on whether their current choices are truly supporting their life goals. Keep in mind that you may be the only person asking these questions and pointing them to a healthier way.

STI Testing Clients — Many centers offer basic STI screening and/or treatment. Be sure to communicate clearly with clients which STIs you screen for and which you do not. Find like-minded health care providers in the community to partner with in order to encourage more comprehensive care and follow-up. Sharing basic information about the different kinds of STIs and modes of transmission, as well as the effectiveness and limitations of condoms, can help equip clients to make better decisions.

Education Classes — For pregnant and parenting classes, look for ways to add STI information into discussions about healthy prenatal care and healthy relationships. For prevention and outreach programs, STIs are a key part of promoting sexual wellness to protect physical, mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual health. As described earlier, many people lack a basic understanding of the different types of STIs and their associated risks.

Pregnancy help centers have an incredible opportunity to share God’s beautiful design for sex and sexuality. His Word is clear that sex was intended to be shared solely within a covenant marriage. Sexually transmitted infections are evidence of this good plan—outside His design, there are physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual consequences. We can use STI education to point back to this truth. We can teach or re-teach His design in a way that is compassionate and relevant for our clients, with the ultimate goal of their safety, wholeness, and thriving within God’s good plan. Let’s take courage to share this good news!

(Beacon Health Education Resources offers online STD training and new client-facing STD brochures at www.beaconhealthed.com.)