Texas STD Rates Are Rising — Here’s What’s Really Happening

Yeah, I know talking about STDs feels weird. Awkward. Maybe even scary. But can we be real for a second?

Texas is in the middle of a quiet health crisis, and it's not slowing down. Every year, the numbers keep climbing. We're not just talking about big cities like Houston or Austin it's happening in college towns, small communities, and even places you'd never expect.

In 2022 alone, more than 244,000 cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were reported across Texas. That's not just "a lot." That's one of the highest Texas STD rates in the country. And get this Dallas, Harris, and Travis counties are all ranked in the top 20 nationwide for sexually transmitted infections.

And here's the kicker: most STDs don't come with red flags or obvious symptoms. You could feel totally fine completely normal and still have one. That's why so many go untreated, spreading silently from person to person.

But here's the good news: this isn't hopeless. We can turn this around. It starts with knowing what's really going on no sugarcoating, no shame and learning what you can do to protect yourself and your community.

How Bad Is It?

Let's get into the numbers. Not to scare you but to wake us all up.

Texas consistently ranks among the top states for new STD cases. According to the CDC, we reported over 156,000 chlamydia cases, more than 62,000 gonorrhea cases, and nearly 26,000 cases of syphilis in 2022. And when it comes to congenital syphilis where a baby is born with the infection we were ranked #3 in the nation. That means one in every four babies born with syphilis in the U.S. was born in Texas.

Seriously let that sink in.

Dallas County had an STI rate of 1,314.5 per 100,000 people putting it at #7 nationwide. Harris County (that's Houston) had over 31,000 chlamydia cases alone. Travis County (Austin) wasn't far behind.

But it's not just urban centers. Some of the most alarming per capita increases are happening in rural Texas. Reeves County, out in West Texas, reported a shocking 333 syphilis cases per 100,000 people the highest in the state. And places like Lubbock and Potter County are seeing syphilis rates spike too.

Why? Often, it's because people don't have easy access to clinics, testing, or even honest conversations about sexual health.

Why Is This Happening?

Okay, so the numbers are high. But why? Is it that people are having more sex? Hooking up more than ever? Maybe a little but that's not the whole story.

The truth is, rising STDs in Texas are less about behavior and more about systems failing the people who need help.

First, access. If you live in a small town with no public transportation, no insurance, or no clinic within 50 miles, getting tested for an STD can feel impossible. And when public health funding stays flat or gets cut programs that offer testing, treatment, and education can't keep up.

Then there's sex ed. And, well Texas doesn't exactly have a great track record here. We don't require comprehensive sex education in schools. Only 14% of school districts cover all 20 topics recommended by the CDC things like how to use condoms, how STDs spread, and where to get tested.

Instead, many students grow up with abstinence-only programs which, studies show, don't reduce STI rates. At all.

And let's talk about young people. Those between 15 and 29? They make up over half of all chlamydia and gonorrhea cases. That's not because they're "reckless" it's because many don't know their risk, can't afford testing, or are afraid to ask for help.

And stigma oh man, stigma. That quiet voice in your head saying, "It won't happen to me," or "I don't want anyone to know." That's powerful. It keeps people from getting tested, even when they suspect something might be off.

Add in real-world inequalities like how Black and Latino communities face higher Texas sexual health disparities due to underfunded clinics, lower insurance rates, and cultural stigma and you start to see it's not just about individual choices. It's about systems, equity, and access.

Who's Most at Risk?

You might think it's teens. Or college students. And sure younger people are heavily affected. But the data tells a more complex story.

The biggest group diagnosed with syphilis? People between 25 and 34 years old. They're often sexually active, may have multiple partners, and here's the key they're way less likely to get tested regularly than younger folks.

Racial disparities are hard to ignore. Black Texans have a syphilis rate of 187.9 per 100,000 more than double the rate among white Texans. Hispanic Texans account for 42% of syphilis cases in the state, even though they make up about 40% of the population.

Why? Not because of behavior, but because of long-standing gaps in healthcare access, discrimination, and underinvestment in communities of color.

And men especially men who have sex with men (MSM) are overrepresented across the board. They make up 68% of syphilis cases and 61% of gonorrhea cases. MSM represent about 35% of syphilis diagnoses, which shows how important targeted education and care are for this community.

But one of the most heartbreaking trends? Congenital syphilis. Texas ranks 3rd in the nation for babies born with this preventable disease. Untreated syphilis in pregnancy can lead to stillbirth, severe birth defects, or newborn death. And yet, only about 50% of women with syphilis in Texas are diagnosed early in pregnancy.

That's not just a medical issue. That's a human tragedy and it's preventable.

What STDs Are Spreading?

Let's break it down by infection, because not all STDs are the same and some are becoming more dangerous.

Chlamydia is still the most common. It hits women hardest about 65% of cases and most often shows up in people aged 15 to 24. The good news? It's easy to treat with antibiotics. The bad news? If left alone, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), chronic pain, and even infertility.

Gonorrhea is on the rise too and it's starting to worry doctors. Some strains are becoming resistant to antibiotics, which means treatment is getting harder. It often shows no symptoms, especially in women, but can cause long-term damage if ignored.

Then there's syphilis the most dangerous and the fastest-growing. Cases jumped 22% in just one year from 2021 to 2022. Among women, rates have surged 500% since 2013. And here's a red flag: nearly half of all syphilis cases are in people who've had it before which means they were reinfected, possibly due to ongoing exposure or lack of partner treatment.

HIV isn't rising as fast, but it's still a concern. In Harris County alone, over 1,300 new HIV cases were reported in 2022. While 87% of syphilis patients tested negative for HIV, the reality is testing isn't universal and PrEP, a powerful HIV prevention tool, remains underused, especially in high-risk groups.

Where Are People Getting Infected?

You might be surprised by how and where people are meeting partners and getting exposed.

A recent study found that 38% of people who tested positive for syphilis met their partners through dating apps like Tinder or Grindr. Another 14% met them online. The rest? Through social circles, hotels, and even escort services.

Now, I'm not saying apps are bad they're part of modern life. But they've changed how we connect, and sometimes, fast connections mean less communication about sexual health.

Substance use is another big factor. Half of syphilis patients reported using drugs or alcohol before the encounter that led to transmission. Alcohol, marijuana, and meth were the most common. When judgment's clouded, people are less likely to use protection.

And speaking of protection condoms. You'd think they'd be everywhere. But here's the truth: 76% of syphilis patients said they had sex without a condom in the past year. That number was even higher among older adults. Young people aged 1524 were actually more consistent with condom use than their parents' age group.

Kinda ironic, isn't it?

What's Being Done?

Good question. And the answer is not enough. But there are people fighting for change.

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) runs surveillance programs, does contact tracing, and offers some treatment support. A few counties have mobile testing vans, school-based clinics, and outreach teams trying to reach underserved areas.

But here's the reality: funding is tight. Political support for comprehensive sexual health programs? Even tighter. That means clinics are stretched thin, and many people fall through the cracks.

What Can You Do?

Here's the most important part you're not powerless.

First, get tested. Not once. Not "when I think something's wrong." But regularly every 3 to 6 months if you're sexually active, especially with new or multiple partners. Most clinics offer quick, confidential, and low- or no-cost testing.

Want to find one near you? The Texas HHS STD Testing Locator is a great place to start. It's state-run, trusted, and updated regularly.

In Dallas? The Dallas County Health Department has free clinics and walk-in hours. In Austin, Austin Public Health offers sliding-scale fees and even PrEP (a daily pill that prevents HIV). Houston Health Department has three full-service clinics. And Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas? They provide confidential care, including testing, treatment, and counseling, no matter your income.

And guess what? Many places now offer at-home test kits you pick them up or mail them in, test yourself, and get results online or by phone. No awkward face-to-face chat unless you need treatment.

Protection That Works

Let's be real no one's expecting you to be perfect. But there are simple, proven ways to protect yourself:

• Regular testing the ultimate act of self-care.
• Condoms still one of the best tools we have.
• PrEP if you're at higher risk for HIV, talk to your doctor.
• Vaccines HPV and Hepatitis B are preventable. If you haven't been vaccinated, ask your provider.

And don't forget: communication is protection too. Talk to your partners about testing, status, and boundaries. It might feel awkward at first but the more we normalize these conversations, the safer we all become.

Final Thoughts

Look, I'm not here to judge. I'm not here to scare you. I'm just someone who cares about real people, real health, and real change.

Yes, Texas STD rates are high. Yes, the system has failed too many. But the power to change things? That's not in politicians' hands it's in ours.

One test. One conversation. One decision to protect yourself and others that's how we turn the tide.

You don't have to have it all figured out. You just have to care enough to take the next step.

So what's yours?

Maybe it's booking a test. Maybe it's having a talk with a partner. Maybe it's just sharing this article with a friend who needs to hear it.

Whatever it is do it. Because your health matters. Your peace of mind matters. And honestly? The Texas we want healthier, more open, more compassionate starts with you.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.