Sexual Health News - Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Study reports soaring STD rates in New York City

By Christopher Lynch, MD Dec. 12, 2012
Living in New York City is certainly not always a picnic, but for those who are sexually active, a recent study conducted by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene may be a startling reminder of just how dangerous it can be to be lax about one's sexual health. According to CBS News, the study reviewed 181 zip codes throughout the metro area and studied the rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like HIV/AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and hepatitis B. They also researched the incidence of hepatitis C and tuberculosis, which are not contracted by sex. 

The study is one of the few conducted to actually examine the prevalence of STDs in specific neighborhoods. According to Complex.com, of all the boroughs reviewed, the Bronx seemed to fare the worst. Close to 68 percent of the neighborhoods throughout the borough had high rates of more than one STD, with its Tremont section reporting the highest rate of STDs in the entire city.

On the other side of the spectrum, the study found that Staten Island has the lowest STD rates, with no neighborhoods at all entering the top-20 list for any type of sexually transmitted disease. Last but not least, researchers discovered that Manhattan contains 13 neighborhoods where HIV and syphilis rates are the highest in the city.

Ultimately, the study shows that even with improved public knowledge of STDs and improved protection methods, there is an increased risk of contracting one of these diseases if individuals do not look out for their sexual health needs and their partners' as well.
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