April is STD/STI Awareness Month, an initiative to raise awareness and educate individuals
about prevention and treatment. This month, the REACH peers want to highlight a local epidemic that Binghamton is undergoing. Since 2019, the spread of Gonorrhea in Binghamton has increased by 50%, with the greatest increase being among individuals aged 20-29. This could be due to many things; however, some suggest that this is caused by “delaying preventive screening visits due to COVID-19” . This is not only a trend in Binghamton, but is becoming more common throughout the state, yet is rarely being discussed.
What is gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is a bacterial STI that can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, and oral sex. If
treated with antibiotics, gonorrhea may go away within a week, but if untreated it could cause long-term harm such as infertility. Some common symptoms of gonorrhea are a pain
in the genital region, painful urination, and abnormal discharge. However, the most common symptom of any STI is having no symptoms at all. This is an immensely important fact to realize, especially for sexually active college-aged students who have a higher chance of STI transmission.
How can you prevent an STI?
If you are sexually active, one of the easiest ways to prevent STI transmission is using barrier methods such as condom (external or internal) and dental dams. It’s important to note that birth control does not prevent STI transmission, so you should still use a barrier method in addition to any birth control. Another way to prevent STI transmission would be to have an open conversation with any new sexual partner and limit your partners in order to limit potential exposure.
How often should you get tested?
Getting tested is another important aspect of this conversation because it is something that
can feel awkward or uncomfortable for many. Individuals should get tested 2-3 weeks after
being intimate with a new partner, or annually for those with stable partners. Fun
TIP: Have a new partner? Go on a date where you can both get tested to ease comfort and make it fun!
Where can you get tested?
Below I have included a list of local resources students can access for little to no cost for STI testing.
Decker Health Services
Phone: (607) 777-2221
Website: https://www.binghamton.edu/health/
STI screening + FREE HIV testing
Family Planning of South Central NY
Phone: (607) 723-8306
Website: fpscny.org
117 Hawley St, Binghamton, NY 13901
Low to no-fee STI testing
STAP: Southern Tier AIDS Program
Phone: (607) 798-1706
Website: https://www.stapinc.org/
22 Riverside Dr, Binghamton, NY 13905
All Services are FREE which include HIV and STI testing
Cornerstone Family Healthcare
Phone: (607)-201-1200
Website: https://cornerstonefamilyhealthcare.org/
35 Felters Road, Binghamton, NY
Low to no-fee HIV and STI testing
PrEP HIV Prevention
References:
About the Author: Madison Pellnat
Maddi is a Junior studying Integrated Neuroscience on the Pre-Medicine Track, hoping to pursue Medical School after Graduation. She joined REACH because of her interest in outreach and discussing difficult health topics with peers. She is specifically interested in
sexual health and the political implications of reproductive health. When she’s not studying, she is often watercolor painting while watching Gilmore Girls or playing animal crossing on the switch.