Best quote from Sexual History and the STI Surge: CDC Data and Screening Protocols
Taking a sexual history shouldn't be an 'extra' step—it’s a core part of routine care. If you don't ask the right questions, you can't possibly know which tests to run or how to advise your patient.
This audio lesson was created by a BeFreed community member
This week covers taking a sexual history, STI screening, and recognizing/treating common STIs and gynecologic infections, especially their symptoms, testing, treatments, and prevention.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to the latest CDC data, there is a significant surge in sexually transmitted infections, with over 2.4 million reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis in the U.S. in 2023. While numbers appeared lower during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, this was largely due to limited access to doctors and testing. Now that healthcare access has normalized, the data reveals a massive public health concern that requires urgent attention from both providers and the public.
Taking a thorough sexual history is essential because it provides a framework for understanding a patient's risks and implementing the correct screening and treatment protocols. Effective conversations allow providers to identify infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea early, which is critical for preventing long-term health complications. By mastering these discussions, healthcare professionals can better navigate the current quiet epidemic and ensure patients receive the specific care and testing they need for their sexual health.
Untreated sexually transmitted infections do not simply go away on their own and can lead to severe long-term health issues. If infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis are not caught early through proper screening, they can result in permanent damage, including infertility and chronic pelvic pain. Fortunately, most of these infections are totally treatable if identified promptly, highlighting the vital importance of understanding current CDC data and maintaining regular testing schedules.
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
