Tag: STIs

This presentation will outline the current understanding of BV as a dysbiosis, the role of sexual transmission in pathogenesis, and the recent findings of the Australian StepUp* Trial. Practical suggestions will be offered regarding designing and implementing a policy to provide partner therapy for BV in clinical settings in the United States based on the experience at a walk in public Sexual Health Clinic.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is one of the most common yet misunderstood sexually transmitted infections, often framed through a deficit-based lens emphasizing stigma, fear, and distress. This presentation issues a strengths-based call to action; reimagining HSV prevention, treatment, and care as opportunities to foster resilience, agency, and self-compassion among patients and providers.

Limited evidence suggests that doxycycline may be comparable to penicillin for the treatment of syphilis, but perhaps less so for latent stages. A total of 655 individuals were included, 539 who were treated with benzathine PCN G (BPG) and 116 treated with doxycycline. For our primary analysis, we included all RPR titers up to 24 months after treatment for all stages of syphilis treated from April 2022 through September 2023.

In 2023, in response to rising syphilis rates and persistent disparities in STI outcomes, we launched a free, community-based STI clinic to expand access to testing and treatment. Prior to this, our services were primarily focused on providing PrEP and HIV care to the LGBT population. In 2024 alone, the clinic served 871 patients—69% of whom identified as ethnic minorities, a population disproportionately impacted by barriers to healthcare access, including PrEP.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are a growing public health concern, particularly for women and girls, who experience disproportionately high rates and rising incidence. Barriers such as cost, transportation and geographic access, and appointment availability limit access to timely STI care. For those who do access family planning care, integrating STI testing into comprehensive visits can reduce the need for repeat appointments and improve health and wellbeing.

In recent years, sexually transmitted infections (STI) rates in the United States have risen dramatically, with more than 2.4 million STIs reported in the United States alone (CDC, 2024). STIs can have a profound impact on health, including infertility, neurological and cardiovascular disease, stillbirths, and increased risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This growing epidemic demands urgent action to enhance the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of STIs.