Add a new ranking to Alexandria’s accolades: it ranks significantly higher than average in Virginia and Northern Virginia specifically for gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The increase reflects a national trend of STI cases climbing in recent years, but the Alexandria Health Department (AHD) said the City ranks above the state and regional average in gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis cases.
Data from the Virginia Department of Health released last year found that 826 Alexandrians were diagnosed with chlamydia, 359 Alexandrians were diagnosed with gonorrhea, and 50 were diagnosed with syphilis.
While other STIs saw a rise in Alexandria, syphilis numbers declined.
“As our community celebrates love this upcoming Valentine’s Day, Alexandria Health Department (AHD) is encouraging residents to always love safely,” the AHD said in a release. “Specifically, AHD is notifying residents of rising rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and reminding our community of safe sex habits like wearing condoms and getting tested for STIs.”
The AHD said it did not have exact information on why the STI rates are increasing so much in Alexandria specifically.
“Alexandria Health Department doesn’t know exactly why our city’s rates are higher than those elsewhere in Virginia, but we’re continuously working to understand what factors may be involved so that we can help support our community’s unique sexual health challenges,” the AHD told ALXnow.
The AHD encouraged locals to make use of the free condoms available in the Dep Pepper Community Resource Center bathrooms (4850 Mark Center Drive).
“Condoms are key for preventing STIs,” says AHD Nurse Manager Felicia Bendolph-Simmons. “We have to remember that birth control only prevents pregnancy – not STIs. Also, PrEP only prevents HIV. To prevent the spread of all STIs, we encourage people to use condoms.”
According to the release:
AHD offers confidential STI testing to all at a sliding fee scale, no insurance required. AHD also offers a medication called DoxyPEP to eligible clients who have had unprotected sex within the previous 3 days to prevent potential infections. Call 703.746.4988 for eligibility details and appointments.
More information about testing and treatment options in Alexandria is available on the health department’s STI website.
“Safe sex is not about fear or avoidance,” said Health Department Director Dr. David Rose. “Instead, it’s about learning safe, effective ways to have sex with less stress and more enjoyment.”
Photo by René Ranisch on Unsplash
