These Are The Top 3 STDs Spreading In NY

It's currently STI Awareness Week, so let's take a look at the sexually transmitted infections that are spreading the most in New York State. STI Awareness Week is observed from April 9-15, 2023. Acting State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald says,

Sexual health is not just about preventing the spread of sexually transmitted infections, it is also a normal, healthy, and positive aspect of human life. During STI Awareness Week, and all year round, I encourage New Yorkers to take an active role in your sexual health and to protect yourself and your partners. Getting screened, taking a vaccine, or getting treatment should never come with stigma or judgement, and I'm committed to continued awareness and education to keep everyone healthy and free from preventable illness.

Photo by Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition on Unsplash

New York State Ranks In Top 5 For STDs

New York State is among the top 5 states with STDs. BackgroundCheck.org analyzed STI data from the Centers for Disease Control to determine its list.

New York State Is #4 For Sexually Transmitted Infections

STD Cases Per 100K - 1,639.00
Total STD Cases - 270,607

New York has the distinction of being the only non-southern state in the top 5.

It’s also seen an average annual increase of 1.14% and records an average of 276,429 STD cases per year.

But the good news, if any, is that New York State ranks #48 when it comes to average yearly increases in sexually transmitted diseases since 2015.

The other states in the top 5 are:

1. Mississippi
2. Louisiana
3. Georgia
4. New York
5. South Carolina

Top 3 Sexually Transmitted Infections In New York State

Young people in New York State are at a higher risk of catching an STI. People under the age of 26 years old made up 52.5 percent of the diagnosed cases of STIs. Three groups, in particular, are the most affected by STIs in New York State,

The highest rates of STIs in NYS continued to be seen in young people, non-Hispanic black individuals, and men who have sex with men.

According to the most recent data released by the New York State Health Department, these three sexually transmitted diseases are the most commonly transmitted (as of 2020, which is the most recent data provided by the state).

3. Syphilis
Early Syphilis is the third most popular STI with 7,752 New Yorkers contracting the disease. In New York City, New York County had the most cases with 2,008. Outside of the City, the Hudson Valley region had the most cases with 405. Antibiotics can cure Syphilis, but the damage done by letting it go untreated cannot be undone.

Credit: Mayo Clinic via Youtube

2. Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is the second most popular STI in New York. There were 42,318 cases reported,

The increase among females was higher than males (10.6% compared to 9.2%). Additionally, the rates were highest among males 20-34, and among females 15-24.

The highest number of cases of Gonorrhea were in Kings County with 7,753. Outside of NYC, the Rochester region had the most cases with 4,494 and the Buffalo region was not far behind with 3,817 cases. It can be treated with antibiotics, but there is a new antimicrobial resistant Gonorrhea.

Credit: Medical Centric via Youtube

1. Chlamydia
The most commonly reported STI in New York is Chlamydia. In 2020 there were 97,199 cases of Chlamydia around the state, which is actually down from 124,389 cases in 2019. Kings County had the most cases with 17,129 reported. Outside of NYC, the Hudson Valley Region had the most cases with 7,095.

New Yorkers ages 20 to 24 had the most cases of the STI with a total of 32,284. There were 27,692 cases (28.5%) among African-Americans,