NEWS

STI cases rise in Washtenaw, resources available

Illustration depicting a chlamydia-infected cell. If exposed, symptoms can appear between one to three weeks after unprotected sex and sometimes can take months to appear. Symptoms may go unnoticed by the infected. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease

Lily Cole

Editor

Recent data from the Washtenaw County Health Department revealed Washtenaw County experienced a rise in sexually transmitted infections (STI), more specifically gonorrhea and chlamydia, among teens between the ages of 13 and 17 in 2023.

According to the Health Department, teenagers were the only demographic to experience an increase in these diseases, and MLive reports, “Combined chlamydia and gonorrhea case rate in local teens increased 23% from 2022 to 2023.”

However, as of July 2024, all cases county-wide have decreased. Yet, there are still risks, and proper precautions can be taken if an infection is diagnosed.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the safest way to prevent an STI is to abstain from sex altogether. Exposure can be reduced by limiting the number of sex partners and getting regular testing.

“Practice a mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and does not have an STI, and use condoms the right way every time you have sex,” the CDC also said.

Planned Parenthood has two Ann Arbor locations that offer STI testing options, and the Washtenaw County Health Department provides STI testing and treatment. Both have fees for their testing. However, they do provide free condoms.

The Corner Health Center specializes in comprehensive health services for young people aged 12 to 25 and their children. It also offers testing options for a fee.

Additionally, the University of Michigan offers free testing on its campus for students and non-students.