The Connection
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) are closely linked to the use and abuse of
alcohol and other drugs, which lower inhibitions, resulting in people
taking risks that they normally might avoid. Chlamydia is the most common
bacterial STD in the United States. Multiple studies have shown that 5%–15%
of all women of reproductive age are infected with chlamydia. According
to the CDC, almost 80% of all chlamydia infections occur in females under
25 years of age. When left untreated, up to 40% of chlamydia cases will
develop into Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
According to the National Institutes of Health, untreated, PID causes scarring and can lead to infertility, tubal pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain, and other serious consequences. Each year in the United States, more than 1 million women experience an episode of acute PID, with the rate of infection highest among teenagers. More than 100,000 women become infertile each year as a result of PID, and a large proportion of the 70,000 ectopic (tubal) pregnancies occurring every year are due to the consequences of PID. In 1997 alone, an estimated $7 billion was spent on PID and its complications in the U.S.
A woman infected with chlamydia is 3–5 times more likely to acquire HIV.¹
The Costs
STD cases cost Dallas County over $1.5 million in 2001. The
costs to treat a single case of syphilis is estimated at $1,386;²
PID – $1,167;² gonorrhea and chlamydia – $80.³
In
the News
Ft. Worth Star Telegram, January 2003
After declining steadily for almost a decade, syphilis cases in Tarrant
County almost doubled in 2002, according to the Tarrant County Health
Department. The increase was mostly seen in the heterosexual community,
particularly among prostitutes and those who
barter drugs and sex. There was not a similar increase in gonorrhea
and chlamydia.
Make A Difference
Contribute to and volunteer for organizations that work to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
Teach your children about STDs and STD prevention.
If you suspect you have a sexually transmitted disease or have been exposed to one, get tested.
Understand, promote, and practice safer sex.
Resources
General Information
STD Testing, and Treatment
Dallas
Co. Health Dept., STD Clinic (214) 819-1819
Planned Parenthood
of North TX
(214) 363-2004
State & National Organizations
American
Social Health Association
Prevention Information Network
NIH Fact Sheets
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Syphilis
Pelvic
Inflammatory Disease
¹ Fleming and Wasserheit. From Epidemiological Synergy to Public Health Policy and Practice: The contribution of other sexually transmitted diseases to sexual transmission of HIV infection. Sex Trans Inf 1999
² Sexually Transmitted Disease in America: How many Cases and at What Cost?, Am. Soc. Health Assoc., December 1998
³ Holtgrave and Pinkerton. Updates of cost of illness and quality of life estimates for use in economic evaluations of HIV prevention programs. J. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Human Retroviral, 1997
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Reported STD Cases Chlamydia Gonorrhea — — — — — — — Primary & Secondary Syphilis — — — graphics below this mark are not in proportion to graphics above
Source: TX Dept. of Health |
5,309
226
