STI cases increase after early pandemic drop, but low- or no-cost services are available in Santa Clara County
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, Calif. – Testing the waters after meeting a new special someone this Valentine’s Day? Test your sexual health first!
“Unfortunately, no rash doesn’t mean you are free from illness. When it comes to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), it is common to have no symptoms at all,” said Dr. Akanksha Vaidya, Assistant Public Health Officer and STI/HIV Controller for the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department. “Getting a test is one of the most important things you could do for your health and the health of your partner.”
There are fun or easy ways to be safer this Valentine’s Day and beyond:
- Before the next date night, set a date for your check-up. Make time to protect yourself and your partner. Free or low-cost testing is available through Public Health. Let’s be honest, it’s probably not the most comfortable conversation at first, so speak with your partner(s) about going together.
- While you’re there, spice up your protection! Condoms, dental dams, and lubricant come in a variety of different flavors, textures, colors and sizes. Talk about the ways you plan to stay protected and let your partner(s) know there are options.
- STIs are preventable and treatable. No matter what the result is, there are steps you can take right now to keep a healthy sex life. Public Health can assist with access to free or low-cost medication for prevention or treatment depending on your need, as well as services to notify your partner(s) anonymously about potential exposure. See a doctor if you have symptoms of an STI.
Why is this so important?
If left untreated, STIs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis can cause serious health problems. This includes increasing the risk of HIV infection, infertility problems, long-term pelvic or abdominal pain, and complications in pregnancy.
After an outbreak in summer 2022, no new mpox cases have been recorded in Santa Clara County since December. Actions by community partners and the County dramatically reduced the spread of the virus, with the help of a safe and effective vaccine. Ongoing vaccination efforts continue to be important in preventing further transmission of the disease.
However, overall data trends show two decades of case rates rising to historic highs for many common STIs. After a dip in diagnoses during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, Public Health data reveal rebounding STI rates in Santa Clara County. Health officials do not believe that changes in sexual activity and decreased disease likely explain the 2020 dip, as the pandemic brought decreased STI testing and diagnosis, as well.
Where can I go?
For free or low-cost screening, testing and treatment options through the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department:
- Call (408) 792-3720
- Visit GetTestedSCC.org
- Visit the Crane Center during business hours, 976 Lenzen Avenue, San Jose, CA 95126. Enter the West Parking lot and follow signage. No appointment is necessary for HIV and Hepatitis C testing on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, but appointments are needed for other tests.
For more free or affordable confidential testing sites near you, visit gettested.cdc.gov.