CDC Report Shows STI Cases Nearing Pre-Pandemic Levels - AAFP News

Family Physician Perspective

Venis, who also serves as medical director of primary care at Damien Center, Indiana's oldest and largest AIDS service organization, called the increased rates of congenital syphilis "a devastating finding" and also expressed concern that a substantial percentage of men who have sex with men with reported cases of primary and secondary syphilis were also diagnosed with HIV.

"As family physicians, we can improve our sexual health care practices simply by taking a proactive and comprehensive approach to STI screening, making sure to follow evidence-based recommendations from (the United States Preventive Services Task Force) and the CDC," Venis said. The USPSTF updated recommendations on screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea in 2021 and for syphilis in 2022.

The data also indicated that rates for all reported STIs were substantially higher among individuals who identified as Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, or Hispanic/Latino, compared with individuals who identified as white.

"It's important to know that STIs impact all of us; however, specific groups are disproportionately impacted," he added. "This is more likely related to differences in access to equitable care as well as differences in sexual networks. Unfortunately, this can also lead to stigma for populations more often impacted. It's important to be proactive in taking a sexual history and recommending screening, but also do this in a way that is not stigmatizing."

Venis said he follows CDC guidance on STI screening and treatment, attempts to take a sexual health history at least once a year, and conducts more frequent check-ins with patients who may be at increased risk. He also emphasized the importance of using open-ended questions and inclusive language.

He recommended that FPs incorporate sexual health care into annual preventive visits by

  • taking a sexual health history;
  • screening for STIs and HIV;
  • vaccinating for HPV, hepatitis A and hepatitis B;
  • gauging the patient's interest in pre-exposure prophylaxis; and
  • reminding patients that PrEP does not prevent STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis.

Finally, Venis suggested that FPs increase their knowledge of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent STIs.

"I suspect more and more patients will be inquiring about it," he said.

AAFP Member Resources

The AAFP has recently published several resources on STI screening, prevention and treatment, including

Venis recommended that members review an online-only AFP article on taking a sexual health history, which also directs readers to resources on sexual health and the health benefits of a good sex life on familydoctor.org, the Academy's website for patients.

Familydoctor.org also has more information for patients common STIs, including chlamydia and syphilis.

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