The State of STIs — CDC Reports an Alarming Rise in Syphilis
CDC released new surveillance data on sexually transmitted infections. There were 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis reported in the United States in 2022. Rates of gonorrhea and chlamydia remain high, and rates of syphilis have gone up an alarming 80% since 2018.
Celebrating Cervical Health Awareness Month in January
Cervical Health Awareness Month in January is a time to learn about cervical health and cancer prevention. The World Health Organization has a plan for the elimination of cervical cancer through vaccination and screening—we can get there!
Drug Shortage Means Pregnant Patients Get Delayed Care
As rates of congenital syphilis skyrocket, a severe shortage of the only antibiotic approved to treat syphilis in pregnant women is delaying care for pregnant patients.
CDC Warns About Worrisome New Mpox Outbreak
An outbreak of mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is worrying public health officials. This is the largest outbreak in the country’s history and is caused by a deadlier type of the virus than the one that spread across the globe in 2022.
A Step Forward for STI Testing: FDA Approves an At-Home Testing Option
For the first time, the Food and Drug Administration has given market authorization to an at-home test for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
New Antibiotic Shows Promise in Treating Resistant Gonorrhea
A new antibiotic could give health care providers a much-needed new tool in the fight against antibiotic resistant strains of gonorrhea.
Syphilis Rates Surging in Newborns
Cases of infants born with syphilis have soared in recent years. New CDC data reveal that more than 3,700 babies were born with syphilis in 2022—more than 10 times the number born in 2012.
Shortage of Only Drug Approved to Treat Syphilis in Pregnant People
Treating syphilis during pregnancy can help both mother and child, but there is a shortage of Bicillin-L-A, the only antibiotic approved for this population.
People with Low Viral Loads Have Almost Zero Chance of Transmitting HIV Through Sex
A new meta-analysis of eight published studies found that the risk of sexual transmission of HIV is almost zero in people with low viral loads.
Mife Mayhem Continues: Fifth Circuit Issue a Decision
There is another update to the ongoing court battle over mifepristone, one of two drugs used in most medication abortion.