Far too many Mississippians suffer from sexually-transmitted infections (STIs). Our state has one of the highest rates in the nation of new cases and of people living with STIs. But these infections are preventable and treatable.
Talk
Good sexual hygiene means safe sex practices like condoms that protect you from infections. Talk to your partner about sexual history and safe sex early, and make good health part of your relationship.
Use the right protection no matter what kind of sex you're having – infections can spread through any type of sexual contact.
Get Tested
Know your STI status before you have sex. If you're sexually active, get tested for STIs when you get a new partner. You can't prevent what you don't know about.
If you notice symptoms that may be a sexually-transmitted infection, get tested soon. Identifying problems means quicker treatment, a better chance of full recovery, and getting healthier sooner.
Testing is confidential and affordable at any county health department. Find out more→
Get Treated
STIs can cause serious, long-lasting health problems if left untreated. The sooner you start treatment, the more successful treatment is likely to be. Safeguard your sexual health and overall health — don't delay treatment.
MSDH's Crossroads Clinic can help you get affordable STI treatment. talk to them at 601‑432‑3237.
STIs in Mississippi
There are thousands of new STI cases in Mississippi each year. STIs are far too common and far too easy to get.
MEN
More men than women get HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, or other STIs, especially young adults.
Men who have sex with men are at the highest risk for STIs, particularly HIV. They need to take strong protective measures and develop excellent sexual health habits.
WOMEN
Thousands of women also get STIs each year. Infection can be especially risky for pregnant women, since STIs can be passed to their unborn child. Mississippi is now working to reduce the number of new syphilis cases in mothers and their newborns.
HIV and Syphilis
HIV has long been an outstanding problem in Mississippi and the South. In 2022, about half of new HIV cases were in southern states.
Syphilis, once well-controlled, has made a resurgence across the United States as well as in Mississippi,
Syphilis 2014
Syphilis 2023
