STI

The use of a syndemic approach could help health departments address the rising rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States more effectively, by examining STIs through a lens of people, place, policy, and science. Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of the National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention at CDC, suggests this approach to identify and address the multi-faceted and complex overlapping factors that make STI identification, treatment, and prevention more difficult.

STD public health programs stand on the frontlines in the fight against the syphilis epidemic, as rates continue to increase, providing partner services, surveillance, case management, and appropriate treatment. State and local STD programs are now relying on primary health care providers to diagnose and treat syphilis more than ever. Use this guide to learn more about Injectable Syphilis Treatment Delivery (ISTD) programs & best practices.

This guide was developed by the National Coalition for Sexual Health (NCSH)’s Health Care Action Group to cultivate a clinical environment that supports health care providers and clinical staff in the delivery of inclusive sexual health services to all patients.

The Syphilis and Drug User Health Webinar Series consists of five monthly sessions where those working on STIs – specifically syphilis – and those working in harm reduction or drug user health will be brought together to learn from each other, share promising practices, and highlight effective cross-sector partnerships.

The webpage for STI Awareness Week provides opportunities to raise awareness about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and how they impact lives by reducing STI-related stigma, fear, and discrimination; as well as ensuring people have the tools and knowledge for preventing, testing, and treating.

This website allows users to text a sexual partner that they might be at risk of an STD. It will ALWAYS be anonymous. Studies have shown that anonymous notification options improve the rate of partner notification, which contributes to the successful detection, diagnosis, and treatment of transmitted infections.

To motivate and equip the public to protect and improve their sexual health, the NCSH created and pre-tested the Five Action Steps to Good Sexual Health, which are:

This guide informs people of all ages, including teens and older adults, about sexual health. It focuses on the preventive services (screenings, vaccines, and counseling) that can help protect and improve one's sexual health. The guide explains these recommended services and helps find and talk with a health care provider. 

A guide for clinical services providers performing physical examinations in sexual and reproductive health settings.