Healthcare Providers

Image of healthcare providers

Utah STD Statistics

  • Because chlamydia continues to be the leading STD/reportable disease in Utah and throughout the U.S., it is imperative to screen sexually active clients regularly.
  • In 2016, 9,459 cases of chlamydia were reported.  Utah experienced a 40.8% rate increase from 2007-2016 (from 220.1 to 310.0 cases per 100,000 people).
  • Gonorrhea continues to rapidly increase as Utah has experienced a 602% rate increase from 2011-2016.
  • In 2016, adolescents ages 15-24 only accounted for 16% of Utah’s population, yet accounted for 60% of all chlamydia cases and 33% of gonorrhea cases.

What Can Be Done?

As a healthcare provider, you are on the front lines in the fight to curb chlamydia and gonorrhea. No one said it would be easy, but with the right tactics, information, and a few helpful visual aids, you can make sure your patients know the risks and consequences inherent with sexual activity. Or you can take it a step further and volunteer to be a Health Educator. Together, we can stop the spread of chlamydia and gonorrhea in Utah.  Please see the resources below to gain information on STD treatment, guidelines, and how to talk to your patients about uncomfortable topics.

Image result for doctor clipart

 

CDC Sexually Transmitted Disease Treatment Guidelines

CDC Screening Recommendations

A Guide to Taking a Sexual History

 

 

Provider pocket guides or the MMWR Treatment Guidelines are available online, but if you would like a tangible copy, please contact the STD Program at 801-538-6096.  For reportable infections and more information for healthcare providers, please visit the  Utah Department of Health website.

Is there an easy way to start a conversation about sexually transmitted infections?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhea are not easy to talk about; however, patients will thank you for starting the conversation and arming them with knowledge.  As a health care provider, strive to diminish the barriers that most often prevent you from talking about STDs with your patients.  You never know how many infections you could prevent by starting the conversation!

I warn my patients about chlamydia and gonorrhea; what else can I do?

Arm your patients with the facts; refer them to this site and others where they can obtain more information for themselves about chlamydia and gonorrhea. The more your patients know about the diseases – the risks, the symptoms, the prevention – the more they’ll know about how to avoid encountering one.

What age should kids start learning about sexual interactions?

No specific age is right for everyone; the individual, their parents, and their health care provider usually assist in determining the proper age. However, health care providers should be made aware that 65% of chlamydia and gonorrhea cases in Utah are diagnosed in 15-24 year olds. When it comes to diseases that can cause infertility and sterility, do not hesitate to educate your patients.