FEMALE shame is at the heart of New York’s skyrocketing rate of sexually transmitted diseases, an expert exclusively tells The US Sun.
Jill Krapf, a leading vulvovaginal specialist and menopause practitioner, discussed what’s driving the rise in STIs in the Big Apple.
4
4
Syphilis increased by 36% among women between 2021 and 2022, according to a STD Surveillance Report by the Department of Hepatitis, HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections.
However, infections in men “practically did not change” during this period.
Meanwhile, women aged 15 to 24 were found to be five times more likely to be diagnosed with chlamydia than women in any other age group.
Cases among adolescents and young women in New York City accounted for approximately 58% of all chlamydia cases among women.
Similar results were found in 2021.
“The rise of STDs in New York City is concerning for public health,” Dr. Krapf told The US Sun.
“As a major hub in the US with a high risk of transmission, this increase in infections could have a major impact.
“If left untreated, STIs can lead to major health problems, such as infertility and pelvic disease, as well as an increased risk of contracting HIV or developing cervical cancer through exposure to HPV.”
The doctor, who is also a medical consultant for the vaginal care platform Evvy which provides at-home vaginal health testing, believes at-home testing is a game changer.
This is especially true as doctors continue to see the impact of the pandemic as people stop getting tested or visiting their doctors.
With women increasingly being diagnosed with certain STIs, Dr. Krapf explained why this might happen.
“There are biological and ecological reasons why STIs appear more often in women,” explained Krapf.
“Biologically, women’s urogenital anatomy is more exposed and vulnerable to STDs compared to male urogenital anatomy, mainly because the vaginal mucosa can be thin, delicate and more easily penetrated by infectious agents.”
Dr. Krapf’s Sexual Health Tips
Important tips to avoid STDs:
- Use condoms and dental dams.
- Regular testing with your doctor or home testing at least once a year
- Have open and honest conversations with your doctor and sexual partners about your sexual history
- Get vaccinated to prevent hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV).
- For HPV, vaccination is recommended from pre-adolescence (9-12) until age 26 – after that, it becomes less effective, as most people have already been exposed to HPV by that time.
Women and chlamydia:
- If you notice changes in discharge, burning during urination, back or abdominal pain, nausea, fever, sexual pain, bleeding between periods or rectal pain, bleeding or discharge, see your doctor immediately.
- It is not known why cases of chlamydia are higher in women.
- It is crucial that women get tested regularly if they are sexually active and/or have different sexual partners.
- The longer STIs are left untreated, the more serious the consequences can be, especially with regard to reproductive health.
Although the reason is partly anatomical, it is also largely social.
Social pressures and opinions about the female body, sex and STIs, as well as gaps in education and research, are contributing heavily to this public health problem.
“Shame is probably the main reason more women don’t get tested, causing an increase in STIs,” she said.
“Factors such as social pressures, culture, religion and lack of education can cause more shame around the discussion about STDs.”
Krapf highlighted the results of several studies that found that young women are less likely to mention sex-related issues when speaking to a doctor.
They are also unlikely to inform their doctor when they become sexually active.
“There can be greater shame, guilt and embarrassment for women compared to men when it comes to talking openly about sexual health at the doctor or asking to be tested,” Krapf said.
“This may lead to testing being avoided, especially if there are no symptoms.”
These questions highlight where at-home testing can be beneficial.
“According to a study from NIH.govalmost two-thirds of participants thought that people in their religious community could treat them worse (59.7%),” she said.
“More than 40% also realized that casual sexual partners and family members may also treat them worse.
“So, to stop the rise in STD infections, we as a society and culture need to work to end the stigma around sex education.
“We all have sex, and it’s okay – and safer – to talk openly about it.”
4
‘REDEFINED SEXUAL HEALTH’
While there should be no embarrassment about visiting a doctor or sexual health clinic and getting diagnosed and treated, home testing kits are “redefining sexual health.”
Evvy works to support those affected by this feeling of shame by offering discreet and effective at-home testing, along with training and treatment if necessary.
“At-home testing is a completely safe alternative that can make testing more accessible,” Krapf said.
In addition to testing for STIs, Evvy offers kits that provide “personalized insights” into individual vaginal health, including infertility, recurring UTIs, and other conditions such as bacterial vaginosis.
Common STI symptoms:
Here is a list of common STD symptoms in men and women, but it’s best to have anything unusual checked out by a doctor.
- Unusual discharge from the vagina, penis, or anus
- Pain during urination
- Lumps or growths on the skin around the genitals or anus
- Skin irritation
- Vaginal bleeding between periods
- Paid during sex
- Itch
- Warts around the genitals and/or anus
- Warts in the mouth or throat
- Blisters and sores around the genitals or anus
Some STDs do not present any symptoms, so regular testing is essential.
With just one swab, the kit tests for more than 700 bacteria and fungi.
These tests allow women to take control of their bodies and understand them better.
The wealth of knowledge women can gain from the kits helps empower them and fill the gaps created by gaps in education when it comes to women’s bodies.
With the option of an STI dashboard, there is a reminder that regular testing is recommended and becomes a less daunting experience.
STD screening can be done in the privacy of your home and mailed to a laboratory.
It therefore becomes more likely that people will be diagnosed and receive treatment and support, which in turn will reduce transmission rates.
“Accessibility is key here and is essential to making testing as easy and efficient as possible no matter where you are geographically,” said Krapf.
“Companies like Evvy are redefining sexual health with their at-home STD panels that take just 3 business days to get results.
“Customers can also get a personalized treatment plan and prescriptions shipped directly to their door if needed.
“In doing so, Evvy provides end-to-end care – testing, clinical care and prescriptions – that is cost-effective, safe and efficient.”
4
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
