Sexually Transmitted Diseases Increase in Montana

April 21, 2008 -- Newly-released data from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) indicates the number of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in Montana has increased over the last three years.

According to 2007 state data, chlamydia was the most commonly reported STD in Montana. In 2007, 2,757 cases of chlamydia were reported in 2007, compared to 2,368 in 2005.

In addition, nearly 75 percent of all infections in 2007 were diagnosed in individuals 15 to 24 years of age.

April is ‘National STD Awareness Month’ to draw attention to the problem and encourage prevention.

“Education is a critical tool for preventing STDs,” said DPHHS HIV/STD section supervisor Laurie Kops. “We also need a social norm change among youth. We have got to start talking about STDs so that safe behavior becomes ingrained in contemporary youth culture.”

In 2007, the next highest reported STD was gonorrhea at 122 cases and there were also eight cases of syphilis diagnosed and reported in Montana. “We’re concerned about all STDs, but chlamydia infections continue to top the list in Montana, as well as in the nation,” Kops said.

Chlamydia is spread during vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected person. About 75 percent of women and 50 percent of men have no symptoms. Yet, chlamydia can cause painful and permanent damage, including infertility. Chlamydia and other STDs, including HIV, can be prevented by the correct use of latex condoms or polyurethane condoms if a latex allergy exists.

For more information, visit www.health.mt.gov and search A – Z for STDs or contact Kops at (406) 444-2457.

For information about 2008 National STD Awareness Month, visit www.ashastd.org.

Source: Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services

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