STI rates increasing, especially syphilis

Rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly syphilis, have been going up in the United States over the past few years.

As LiveScience reports: “The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tracks the national rate of gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis infections. Rates of these bacterial STIs were already rising in the six years preceding the pandemic. Over this period, gonorrhea rates increased by an average of roughly 10% each year, chlamydia rates increased by an average 3.6% annually and syphilis rates increased by an average 14% annually . . .

“Syphilis case rates surged more sharply in the same time period, to their highest rate in three decades—a 27% uptick compared to 2020 . . . Soaring syphilis infections are particularly concerning as they are tied to rising rates of congenital syphilis [that is, being passed on to babies in the womb, causing birth defects and other serious problems, including death] . . . Congenital syphilis infection rates roughly tripled from 2017 to 2021” (“Why Are Sexually Transmitted Infections on the Rise in the US?” March 15, 2023).

The U.S. state of Mississippi saw a shocking jump in congenital syphilis cases between 2016 and 2021 (“Mississippi Hit by 900% Increase in Newborns Treated for Syphilis,” NBC News, Feb. 13, 2023).

Furthermore, “the US and UK are suffering a throat cancer ‘epidemic’—and experts point to oral sex [or, rather, that outside of monogamy] as the culprit. Dr. Hisham Mehanna, from the UK’s University of Birmingham, said 70 percent of cases of throat cancer are caused by [the sexually transmitted] human papillomavirus (HPV) . . . Dr Mehanna said people with multiple oral sex partners have an up to nine-fold increased risk of throat cancer” (“Oral Sex is Fueling an ‘Epidemic’ of Throat Cancers in the US and UK,”

Many not getting enough sleep

Daily Mail, April 26, 2023). HPV also causes cervical cancer (ibid.).

Along with all these increases, HIV cases are also on the rise. “And an international outbreak of monkeypox, which is being spread mainly between men who have sex with other men, has further highlighted the nation’s worsening problem with diseases spread mostly through sex. David Harvey, executive director of the National Coalition of STD Directors, called the situation ‘out of control’” (“‘Out of Control’ STD Situation Prompts Call for Changes,” Fox6 Milwaukee, Sept. 19, 2022).

LiveScience says that “one factor many scientists think is behind the rise in STI rates is the growing opioid epidemic. Use of opioids, including prescribed painkillers and illicit drugs such as heroin and fentanyl, reached new heights amid the pandemic and has been linked to risky sexual behavior that raise the risk of STI spread, such as not using a condom and having many sexual partners.”

Drug abuse, a foolish behavior in itself, certainly leads to more foolish behavior. And needle sharing is another way to pass on disease, such as HIV.

But the real problem here is not lack of general health education and reminders about condom usage. The real problem is disobeying God’s commandments about sexuality and reaping the consequences. The apostle Paul speaks in Romans 1:27 of those engaged in sexual immorality “committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.”

Society is under curses for its sins. But people can and must repent—and God will also heal. Let’s pray that more people will turn from wickedness and embrace the ways of God. And to better understand the proper context of human sexuality, be sure to read our free study guide Marriage and Family: The Missing Dimension.

How can you make sense of the news?

So much is happening in the world, and so quickly. Where are today’s dramatic and dangerous trends taking us? What does Bible prophecy reveal about our future? You’re probably very concerned with the direction the world is heading. So are we. That’s one reason we produce the Beyond Today daily TV commentaries—to help you understand the news in the light of Bible prophecy. These eye-opening presentations offer you a perspective so badly needed in our confused world—the perspective of God’s Word. Visit us at ucg.org/beyond-today/daily !

According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in three Americans are not getting enough sleep—defined as seven or more hours a night. In the 1940s the average American adult slept 7.9 hours a night. It’s now 6.8 hours a night and likely not as restful.

Lack of sleep can drastically increase risk for heart disease, strokes and cancer. It’s also been linked to obesity, depression, anxiety, heart failure and dementia. Besides increased health care costs, job performance also suffers, with tiredness leading to lack of focus, missed work and greater chance of injuries on the job (Axios, May 29, 2022).

For good sleep, schedule around your best hours and stay consistent. Maintain a good sleep environment with low light and noise. Get sun and exercise for sufficient tiredness to sleep easier. Avoid caffeine at night. Keep naps in the day short. Turn off devices with screens a half-hour before bedtime. Seek solutions to disturbed breathing from allergies or apnea, which can be dangerous. Reduce stress and pray to God for peace of mind. “For so He gives His beloved sleep” (Psalm 127:2; see also Proverbs 3:24).

We should also be careful to avoid the opposite in sleeping too much (Proverbs 19:15; 20:13; 24:33-34). Rather, we must seek the right balance, being productive and getting needed rest—each of these leading to the other.