New CDC study indicates high rates of STIs
January 14, 2009 3:19:01
St. Paul — Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota (PPMNS) expressed deep concern over the findings of a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report indicating high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STI), particularly among women, and reinforced the need to take action to reduce these alarming numbers.
“This study underscores what Planned Parenthood has stated for years: Women, men and teens need to know how to protect themselves against sexually transmitted infections. They need medically accurate and age-appropriate information to make responsible decisions,” said PPMNS President and CEO Sarah Stoesz. “It is also critical that they have access to affordable health care for vital testing and treatment.”
According to the CDC, more than 1.4 million cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea were reported in the U.S. in 2007, and the number of reported syphilis cases continued to increase. Biological factors increase women’s vulnerability to infection and contribute to more severe consequences, including infertility.
“Minnesota is seeing the same alarming increases in sexually transmitted infections. In fact, in 2006 Minnesota reached the state’s highest level ever of chlamydia cases, with total cases more than doubling over the last decade. This is a serious public health issue and it’s critical that communities across the state work together to reverse this trend,” said Stoesz.
Last year, Planned Parenthood administered more than 45,000 STI tests across our region.
“These reports are further evidence of the need for medically accurate, age-appropriate, comprehensive sex education and affordable, accessible health care for all,” Stoesz said.
Citizens can access more information about STIs, by visiting www.plannedparenthood.org or calling 1-800-PLAN to reach the nearest Planned Parenthood health center.
Trackback: http://www.plannedparenthoodadvocate.org/trackback/529/1ndDXjJq/
