NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — On the rise in the United States are sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This includes an 80% increase in syphilis, according to the CDC, and a new survey from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that many people have misconceptions about how they are spread and who should be treated. In a poll of just over 1,000 people, it was found that 34% of them think that STIs can only be transmitted through intercourse, but in reality, there are many ways they can be spread, including kissing, sharing needles, and even birth. It was also found that 20% of people think they only need to be tested if they're experiencing symptoms. "We're likely still experiencing some of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic when STI prevention services were completely shut down," said Professor of Clinical Internal Medicine with the Division of Infectious Diseases, Dr. Jose A. Bazan. "A lot of STIs were undiagnosed and under-reported then, allowing these infections to spread within the population. The CDC's latest surveillance data from 2022 showed an alarming increase in cases of syphilis and congenital syphilis." Congenital syphilis happens when people pass it to their babies during pregnancy, which can result in stillbirths or other life-threatening conditions. "It's important that pregnant individuals get screened for syphilis as this is a very preventable infection that can easily be treated with antibiotics," Bazan said. "Unfortunately, the rising number of cases tells us we're not reaching vulnerable populations in time." The best way to prevent STIs is to use a condom and talk to your doctor or sexual partner. Preparing for extreme cold in North Dakota "Part of having a safe and healthy relationship with your partner is being able to have those conversations and say, 'When was the last time that you were tested? What's your status?'" said Stacey Biffle-Quimba, a nurse practitioner. "Preventing transmission to a partner is very important because that partner may have other partners and that's where it can turn into an epidemic. It's important that people be tested, especially if they've never been screened, have new sexual partners, or have high-risk sexual partners." Vaccinations are effective, as well as HIV medication for pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP). And recently, the CDC finalized new guidelines for using doxycycline for post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy PEP), an antibiotic pill. "Doxy PEP is a new intervention taken within 72 hours after a sexual encounter with the hope that it can prevent them from acquiring an STI such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis," Bazan said. For some, HPV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV can develop without showing significant symptoms, causing them to go undetected for long periods of time, which results in serious health problems like cancers of the anogenital tract, fertility issues, chronic pain, and a compromised immune system. "Doctors need to normalize talking about sexual health with their patients," Bazan said. "We should feel just as comfortable talking about sexual health topics as we do about blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes." People, and healthcare providers, are encouraged by the CDC to take three simple actions to help prevent the transmission of STIs: Talk, test, and treat. At-home testing kits are available for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. "While these tests are convenient and private, it's important to discuss the results with a doctor to determine if a repeat STI test or treatment is needed," said Bazan. "Having these conversations in a safe and non-judgmental way is a critical tool in helping us fight the epidemic of STIs." Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW