Prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases in Louisiana is worrying – American Press

Sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise across the country, including in Louisiana. According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control, the state ranks first for chlamydia, third for gonorrhea and ninth for syphilis infections.

More people than ever are at risk, but these three STDs are preventable and curable, said Dr. Lacey Cavenaugh of the Region 5 Health Department in southwest Louisiana. Following recommended screenings and having open, honest communication with health care professionals are key to preventing the spread.

The human papillomavirus, which is not listed as a sexually transmitted disease at either the national or state level, can cause throat cancer, cervical cancer and other cancers and is preventable with an “underused vaccine,” Cavenaugh said.

“The doctors here are knowledgeable about sexually transmitted diseases and can treat these infections without stigma and prejudice in a way that makes patients feel comfortable talking about these sensitive topics,” Cavenaugh said.

Talking to a doctor about human papillomavirus could be the first step toward life-saving treatment.

“Louisiana has one of the highest death rates from cervical cancer in the country,” she noted.

Earlier this year, the AP reported that the number of syphilis cases in the U.S. hadn’t been this high since the 1950s. While gay and bisexual men continue to be disproportionately affected, syphilis is also spreading among heterosexual men and women, CDC officials said.

Cavenaugh said the rise in syphilis cases could be due to increased drug use. Syphilis is transmitted through blood and drug use can lead to risky sexual behavior.

According to the CDC, approximately 36,200 cases of chlamydia were reported in the United States in 2022. That corresponds to a rate of 788.6 per 100,000 residents.

There were 73 cases of chlamydia reported in Allen Parish, 127 in Beauregard, 1,249 in Calcasieu, 20 in Cameron and 159 in Jefferson Davis.

There were 33 cases of gonorrhea in Allen Parish, 24 in Beauregard, 375 in Calcasieu, one in Cameron and 48 in Jeff Davis.

Allen Parish reported three cases, Beauregard eight, Calcasieu 45, Cameron none, and Jeff Davis two cases of primary and secondary as well as early non-primary, non-secondary syphilis.

Stacker, a data-driven digital news service, listed the 50 parishes with the highest STD rates in Louisiana. Calcasieu Parish ranked 48th with 532.4 cases per 100,000 residents and Vernon Parish ranked 35th with 647.6 cases per 100,000 residents.

Annual screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea is recommended for all sexually active women and sexually active gay and bisexual men.

The CDC recommends syphilis screening for pregnant women, sexually active men, sexually active people with HIV (annually), and other people at increased risk.

An estimated one in five Americans is affected by a sexually transmitted disease. Those most at risk are adolescents between the ages of 15 and 24, men who have sex with men, drug addicts, who are three times more likely to be affected, and people who engage in other high-risk sexual behaviors.

Men and women may request confidential discussions and testing with their primary care physician. Private insurance and Medicaid can usually cover some of the visits and testing. For coverage details, contact the insurer.

Health facilities throughout Region 5 are available to assist with reproductive health, including testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases. In Oberlin, call 337-639-4186; Oakdale, 318-335-1147; DeRidder, 337-463-4486; Lake Charles, 337-478-6020; Sulphur, 337-527-6361; Cameron, 337-475-3237; and Jennings, 337-824-2193.