STD Rates in Montana Rise a Whopping 237% Since 2000
When I read the statistics on a recent report that arrived in my inbox today, I was shocked to learn that Montana saw the 3rd highest increase in STDs in the nation (according to data collected between 2000 and 2020). Wow. I mean... we ALL know how to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. It's not like it's an impossible concept to understand or some kind of mysterious secret.
Apparently our "Montana values" don't include safe sex practices?
I keep hearing people harp about our Montana values, which seem to mean slightly different things to each of us (depending on where you sit on the political aisle), but one thing is for sure... those values apparently don't include teaching or practicing safer sex.
The STD report (data compiled by the folks at LendingTree.com/ValuePenguin) reveals that North Dakota saw the largest increase in STDs in the last two decades, with a whopping 369% increase. Followed by Utah with a 291% increase. Montana is #3 with a 237% increase. All three of those states are traditionally quite conservative. So... yeah.
Which private-part infection is spreading the most?
According to the report, syphilis has been making a huge comeback in the United States, with a 505% increase nationwide per 100,000 people! The CDC notes that 1 in 5 people in the US have an STI, and almost half of the new STI cases were in young people between the age of 15 and 24 (2018 data). The financial burden associated with STIs was estimated at $16 BILLION in direct healthcare costs. If you are having sex in a non-monogamous fashion, for the love of God, please get tested and practice safe sex. Riverstone Health offers low-cost testing and free condoms.