STI

This article provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on using at-home syphilis rapid test kits, emphasizing both technical instructions and emotional support for users. It begins by acknowledging the anxiety and fear often associated with discovering potential syphilis symptoms, highlighting the “Great Imitator” nature of the infection. The article details the contents of a typical test kit, explains proper preparation and hygiene, and walks readers through the process of collecting a finger-prick blood sample, adding buffer solution, and interpreting results accurately.

This article addresses the occurrence of subtle rashes after sexual activity and the potential link to herpes, even in the absence of typical symptoms like pain, itching, or blisters. It describes real-life experiences of individuals who noticed faint rashes and explores the difficulty of recognizing herpes due to its often mild or asymptomatic presentation. The article outlines common non-STD causes of post-sex rashes, including friction, allergies, and yeast infections, and provides guidance on herpes testing, including PCR swabs and IgG blood tests, along with recommended timing.

This article explores how herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), commonly known as oral herpes, can be transmitted through kissing even in the absence of visible symptoms such as cold sores. The virus sheds asymptomatically from the skin, meaning it can spread silently and infect others without warning. It dispels common misconceptions that herpes only spreads through sexual intercourse or visible sores, emphasizing the high prevalence of HSV-1 and its ability to cause both oral and genital infections.

The article presents an analysis of recent trends in sexually transmitted disease (STD) rates in the United States, highlighting a mixed public health landscape. According to provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for 2024, overall STD rates among U.S. adults, including gonorrhea and chlamydia, have declined for consecutive years. This reduction is partly attributed to behavioral changes among young people and increased use of doxycycline as post-exposure prophylaxis, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, which has helped curb adult syphilis cases.

This long-term population study examines the real-world effectiveness of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines in preventing HPV infections among adolescent and young adult women, including those who remained unvaccinated. Conducted in Cincinnati from 2006 to 2023 and involving 2,335 participants aged 13–26, the research evaluated the impact of the 2-, 4-, and 9-valent HPV vaccines as community vaccination rates rose from 0% to 82% over 17 years.

This educational video focuses on syphilis as an emerging threat to the health of birthing people and their infants. It provides guidance for prenatal nurses on understanding syphilis, interpreting diagnostic tests, educating patients, and implementing treatment strategies. The video emphasizes the importance of early detection, effective treatment with penicillin, partner testing, and follow-up testing to prevent serious complications such as stillbirth, congenital infection, and long-term developmental issues in newborns.

This toolkit is organized into flexible, standalone sections to meet the varied needs of Title X and SRH providers. You do not need to use the toolkit in order. The toolkit is organized by types of PrEP services so that the user can identify and access the tools and resources most relevant to the services provided in their setting. Whether you provide counseling and referrals or deliver the full spectrum of services onsite, the materials here are designed to support your work.

This webinar recording explores two critical public health topics: congenital syphilis and heat-related illnesses. Presenters provide an overview of current trends, prevention strategies, and treatment considerations for congenital syphilis, alongside guidance on recognizing, preventing, and managing heat injuries. The session offers practical insights for healthcare providers, public health professionals, and community partners working to address these urgent health concerns.

This fact sheet reports over 52,000 cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, including a rise in congenital syphilis and significant racial disparities. It emphasizes routine testing, condom use, and partner communication to prevent and treat STIs statewide.

The 2024 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) Recommendation Statement reaffirms the importance of early screening for syphilis infection in all pregnant individuals to prevent congenital syphilis and associated complications. The report underscores timely testing—including repeat screening in high-risk cases—as a critical measure to safeguard maternal and infant health.