“We are seeing an increase in STD cases,” said Stacy Kraft, a nurse with the Webster County Health Department. “It may be hard to pinpoint the exact reasons, but could be attributed to more awareness of the importance of regular STD screenings or from an increase in unsafe sex practices.”

The state and the county are seeing a significant increase in cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Between 2019 and 2020 — the most recent year with complete data available — chlamydia rates more than doubled in Webster County, from 273 to 621 reported cases. The chlamydia rate had been steadily increasing since 2015, when the county reported 217 cases.

In 2020, Webster County reported 373 cases of gonorrhea, up from 334 in 2019 and 197 in 2018. In 2015, the county had just 84 cases of gonorrhea.

-Messenger photo by Kelby Wingert
Free condoms are available at the Webster County Health Department, 723 First Ave. S., and its clinic at 310 Second Ave. S. Sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise in Webster County.

The age group with the highest rates of STDs are those under 25.

Chlamydia and gonorrhea infections often don’t have symptoms, Kraft said, which is why the Health Department stresses the importance of regular STD screenings, especially for sexually active individuals under the age of 25. The department encourages individuals to get tested for STDs annually, or with every sexual partner.

Talking about STDs can be difficult with a partner, but it’s necessary, Kraft said.

“It’s very important to have those conversations with partners if an STD is diagnosed so that testing and treatment can be completed with partners as well as to avoid reinfection,” she said.

The number of cases of syphilis is also increasing in Iowa and Webster County.

“The rise in syphilis cases is alarming because it can have long-term health effects that affect the entire body if left untreated, as well as spread to unborn babies from infected mothers,” Kraft said.

The most important things an individual can do to protect their sexual health are to use protection like condoms, and to get tested regularly, Kraft said.

“In order to have a healthy body, we need to take care of our whole selves — including mental, physical and reproductive health,” she said. “If you are wanting to get STD testing, we are your best resource.”

WCHD is an “all-encompassing reproductive health care clinic,” she said, noting that the clinic offers pap smears and birth control as well.

The Webster County Health Department has free condoms available for the public at both its main office, 723 First Ave. S., and its clinic, 310 Second Ave. S. Free condom locations can also be found at www.MyIACondoms.org. Free condoms can be ordered for home delivery at www.onecondoms.com/pages/iowa.

STD numbers in Webster County

Chlamydia

2020: 621 cases

2019: 273 cases

2018: 243 cases

2017: 287 cases

2016: 248 cases

2015: 217 cases

Gonorrhea

2020: 373 cases

2019: 334 cases

2018: 197 cases

2017: 139 cases

2016: 113 cases

2015: 84 cases