By Sarah McElroy, Nurse Practitioner

1. STI rates are rising, with some of the highest rates among the older adult population.
2. Gonorrhea was once called ‘the Clap” due to an old wives’ tale cure. Gonorrhea infections can sometimes have discharge for those with a penis and the old wives’ tale goes: if you clap your hands on the penis and the discharge comes out, you’re cured. Not only does this sound painful, but this misinformation led to spreading gonorrhea.

TBD Recommends: 5-Panel STD Test

4. Condoms don’t protect against all sexually transmitted infections. Genital herpes and pubic lice can be transmitted even while wearing a condom.
5. Syphilis rates are rising across the county, not only in adults but also in infants due to congenital syphilis where the infection is transmitted during pregnancy
6. Many STIs can be transmitted without vaginal or anal penetration.
7. STI’s used to be called Venereal Disease or “VD”- named after Venus the Roman Goddess of Love.
8. HPV is the fastest growing sexually transmitted infection.
9. Syphilis was called the “French disease” by Germans and Italians and known as the “Spanish Disease” by the French.
10. Most sexually transmitted infections have zero symptoms.
11. You don’t have to go into the doctor’s office to be tested for sexually transmitted infections, you can test at home with TBD Health.

This article provides information about sexual health, healthcare and/or related subjects. The blog content and any linked materials herein are not intended to be, and should not be construed as a substitute for, medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment. Any reader or person with a medical concern should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare provider. This blog is provided purely for informational purposes. The views expressed herein are not sponsored by and do not represent the opinions of TBD Health Inc.