Sexually Transmitted Infections: An Increasing Concern in Wyoming
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With sexually transmitted infections (STIs) an increasing concern across the state, the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) is encouraging prevention strategies and testing for residents.
Comparing 2021 reported cases with those from 2020 shows Wyoming experienced a 23.6% increase in chlamydia cases, a 33.5% increase in gonorrhea cases, and a 35.5% increase in syphilis cases. In 2022, statewide, there were approximately 982 cases of chlamydia, 175 cases of gonorrhea, and 35 cases of syphilis reported.
The most commonly diagnosed STI in Wyoming is chlamydia. Of the 2021 chlamydia infections reported in Wyoming, 24% occurred in 15-19-year-olds, 41% in 20-24-year-olds, and 27% in 25-34-year-olds.
Dr. Alexia Harrist, state health officer, and state epidemiologist with WDH, said the increased rates are unfortunate, adding that “if left untreated, these infections can cause long-term pelvic or abdominal pain, an increased risk of getting HIV, infertility, pregnancy complications, stillbirth, and infant death.”
Harrist noted overall STI testing was down in 2020 and 2021 compared to previous years, resulting in potentially undiagnosed and untreated STIs in Wyoming.
Harrist said STI prevention strategies include:
Getting tested before starting a new sexual relationship
Before having sexual contact, ask potential sexual partners if they have been tested since their last sexual partner
Choosing lower-risk types of sexual contact
Consistent and correct condom use with sexual contact
Limiting the number of sexual partners
Routine testing for STIs
Abstaining from all types of sexual contact
Leslie Fowler, Communicable Disease Prevention Program manager with WDH, reminded residents that testing for STIs, HIV, and viral hepatitis can be important. “While STIs sometimes make their presence known through symptoms like itching, burning, discharge, or visible sores, most people have no symptoms,” she said. “Also, many people are not aware that while these infections often occur in the genitals, they can also occur in the throat and rectum, so it’s important to ask your provider about extra-genital or three-site testing to identify these infections, as all untreated STIs can have serious health consequences.”
“We always say, the only way to know your STI status, for sure, is to get tested,” Fowler said.
WDH offers detailed STI information, free condom resources, low or no-cost testing, at-home testing options, and STI treatment through the www.KnoWyo.org website. Campbell County Health Primary Care locations and the Walk-in Clinic also provide STI testing.
Wyoming’s specific STI testing recommendations are based on risk and can be found online at https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/communicable-disease-unit/sexually-transmitted-disease/health-professional-resources/.
Risks for STIs, HIV and viral hepatitis include:
Sexual contact without a barrier method (condom, dental dam, gloves)
Sex with multiple partners
Survivor of sexual assault or sexual abuse
Sexual contact while drunk or high
Intranasal or injection drug use
Anonymous sexual contact
Harrist said prenatal care in Wyoming usually includes testing for STIs. “For healthier pregnancies and babies and to help prevent congenital syphilis in babies, repeat testing should be provided throughout the pregnancy when certain high-risk situations apply,” she said. These conditions include:
If the patient or partner has other sexual partners
Use of injection or intranasal drugs
Unprofessional or homemade tattoos or piercings
Campbell County Health is committed to stopping the spread of sexually transmitted infections. If you or someone you know has concerns about their sexual health, talk to your healthcare provider and get tested at any of our primary care locations or the Walk-in Clinic.
Main Clinic
501 S. Burma Ave.
Gillette, WY 82718
307.688.6000
Red Bluff Medical Center
131 Red Devil Drive
Hulett, WY 82720
307.622.2340
500 Latigo Drive
Wright, WY 82732
307.464.0413
501 S. Burma Ave
Gillette, WY 82718
307.688.9255
Source: Wyoming Department of Health
