STD Cases On The Rise Post-Pandemic

According to the CDC, cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis made a resurgence towards the end of 2020, after experiencing a sharp decline on account of stay-at-home order. Cases surpassed 2019 levels for all three STIs, with the highest rise among chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Stay-at-home orders were likely responsible for the initial decline, along with limited resources for testing. However, once stay-at-home orders were lifted, cases increased above 2019-levels, despite continued challenges related to testing access. An increase in reported cases despite limited venues for testing likely means an even greater number of unreported cases, demonstrating a need for more affordable and accessible testing services. This includes expanding access points and removing the stigmas associated with sexual health testing.