What is the STD rate in the STL area?

Y’all, we need to talk. What is the STD rate in St Louis MIssouri? St. Louis has some of the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the entire country— 2,145.2 cases per 100,000 people.¹ That’s not just a number; that’s real people, real lives, real women. It’s been reported by the CDC. And if the CDC is talking about it, we should be too. It’s like a silent pandemic in St Louis, and we’re here to help. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are too common in STL. And the crazy thing is that a lot of people don’t even know they have an infection. STIs can be sneaky, showing zero symptoms until things get serious. Testing is the only way to know for sure that you have an STI.²

We care about women, and have a special place in our hearts for the ladies of the St. Louis area. As advocates for women in the STL area, let’s talk about how you can take control of your health and future. Let’s start by talking about the most common STDs in St. Louis.

STL’s Most Common STIs (A.K.A. The Ones You Need to Know About)

Sexually transmitted infections are more common than many people think, and anyone who’s been sexually active can get an STI. They’re spread primarily by contact with fluids from the body or touching genitals. Some STDs are simple to treat and can be totally cured. Others can be managed with treatment. So don’t leave yourself unprotected! When it comes to STDs, here are some of the most common ones in the STL area:

• Chlamydia – The most common STI in the STL area. It’s often a “silent” disease, meaning you might not show any symptoms. But even if there aren’t symptoms, it can cause permanent damage to women’s reproductive system if it’s not treated.^{1,2, 4}
• Gonorrhea – This one can cause painful urination, funky discharge, or literally no signs at all.³ Like chlamydia, it can cause permanent damage to women’s reproductive tract if it remains untreated.⁴
• Syphilis – A “shape-shifter” of an STI. It starts off looking like something minor (a tiny, painless sore), but if it goes untreated, it can cause permanent damage to the internal organs — and even be life-threatening.³

Why You NEED to Get Tested

So, we totally get that STIs aren’t exactly brunch convo material. But not knowing your status doesn’t make you safe — it just makes you vulnerable. Since so many STIs show no symptoms, the only way to be sure is to get tested. Some STIs (like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) can be treated with antibiotics.³ But if they aren’t treated, they can cause serious conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and a higher risk of contracting another STD.⁵ That’s not the move. You have goals and aspirations. Don’t let your health get in the way.

Boss Up & Take Control of Your Health

This is YOUR life. YOUR future. Protect it. One of the smartest moves you can make? Delaying sex for now and focusing on your goals. No stress, no worrying about infections, no regrets. And if you’ve been sexually active, don’t play games with your health — get tested and keep yourself safe. This is your body, and you deserve the best health.

We’ve Got Your Back, No Judgement or Barriers

Look, we know healthcare can be expensive, and nobody wants to deal with judgment when they’re just trying to take care of themselve, especially talking about a sexually transmitted disease. That’s why ThriVe offers no-cost, confidential STI testing and low/no-cost treatment for women in the STL area. No judgment, no barriers — just real help when you need it.

Let’s say it out loud — no-cost STI testing is activism. That’s just part of why we offer it. It’s about making sure every woman, no matter her situation, has access to the care she needs. When you get tested, you’re not just looking out for yourself — you’re helping stop the spread, protecting future relationships, and making our community safer through prevention.

Think of it this way: getting tested is something concrete you can do. It’s not just talk, it’s not just posting something on social media — it’s action. It’s standing up and saying, I care about my health, and I care about the health of the women around me. That’s real power. That’s what taking control looks like.

Spread the Word, Not the Infection

STIs are preventable, and knowledge is power. The more we talk about it, the more we take charge of our health. Let’s start having honest convos about sexual health and getting tested to make a difference. STL, we deserve the best — let’s make it happen.

Ready to take charge? Book your no-cost STI test at ThriVe today. Your future self will thank you. 

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