Cases of Sexually-Transmitted Diseases (STDs) in Wyoming are on the rise, with dramatic increases in Gonorrhea rates since 2012 and other STDs close behind.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, STDs are infections spread through sexual contact. These include chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), syphilis, and HIV.
Lisa Aldrich, Family Nurse Practitioner at Laramie Reproductive Health, said STDs are becoming more common in Wyoming, especially among college aged people.
“Younger people in the college age range are in a higher risk group for getting an STD,” Aldrich said. “There has been a reported increase across the state in STD cases. There seems to be the same trend reflected in Laramie, specifically in Gonorrhea cases.”
Gonorrhea, according to the CDC, can lead to pain, bleeding while urinating, complications in pregnancy, and more.
“STDs can have no symptoms. It is important to be aware that testing and treatment are available in the community and to get tested!” Aldrich said.
Travis Klingler, Doctor at Laramie Physicians for Women, said that the nature of STDs in what makes them dangerous.
“The main thing is with unprotected sex is that STDS can be transmitted and you don’t even know about it until years down the road,” Klingler said.
Klingler also said that the potential health complications that come with STDs can affect infected persons for years to come.
“In females, 98% of cervical cancers and high-grade pre-cancer changes to the cervix occur as a result of HPV,” Klingler said.
Molly Adami, Field Epidemiologist for the Wyoming Department of Public Health, said increases in Gonorrhea have been dramatic.
“Gonorrhea rates have seen the largest increase going from 7.7 cases per 100,000 people in 2012 to 48.1 cases per 100,000 in 2016,” Adami said. “While we can’t nail down a single cause for the increase, several things may contribute.”
Adami said these reasons include having multiple sexual partners, using hook-up apps, and having unprotected sex.
Both Adami and Aldrich said that most effective way to combat rising STD rates is to practice safe sex and to be regularly screened.
“Condoms, limiting sexual partners and abstaining from sex can help to lower chances of getting an STD,” Aldrich said. “[Laramie Reproductive Health] offers STD testing for any person in our community, we offer services on a sliding scale fee to help make more affordable. We also offer birth control options, wellness exams, cancer screenings.”
Adami said there are many other places for students to receive accessible care in Laramie.
“Students can visit knowyo.org and get a voucher for free HIV and STD testing at Student Health Services,” Adami said. “Low or no-cost testing is also available at Albany County Public Health and Laramie Reproductive Health,” Adami said.
Free condoms are also available in the Wyoming Union, front desk of all the dorms, the Wellness Center and Student Health Services. Many businesses around Laramie also have free condom dispensers.
“Yes, it can happen to you, but it doesn’t have to,” Adami said. “There are more options than ever before to have fun and still protect yourself.”
