The Big Gonorrhea Apple: How Sticky is NYC?
Ah, New York City. The city that never sleeps... or, depending on your weekend plans, never stops moving in a way that makes sleep highly desirable. But let's not dwell on sleep (unless you have it... then by all means, dwell away). Today, we're here to talk about something a little spicier, a little more... bacterial. Yes, folks, we're diving headfirst into the murky waters of the not-so-glamorous side of city life: gonorrhea.
The Numbers Game: How Many New Yorkers are Saying "Cheese"?
Now, before you clutch your metaphorical pearls and declare this post unfit for polite conversation, hear us out. This is a public health issue, and a little humor can go a long way in raising awareness (and maybe getting you to schedule that check-up you've been putting off).
Unfortunately, there isn't a handy dandy app that tracks gonorrhea in real-time (although, with all the dating apps out there, maybe that's a missed opportunity for some enterprising developer). The most recent data we have is a few years old, but it paints a bit of a picture. In 2017, the fine folks at the NYC Department of Health reported a whopping 23,491 cases of gonorrhea. Whoofta. That's a lot of folks with a case of the "clap" (yes, that's another not-so-delightful term for gonorrhea).
But wait, there's more! This number has actually been on the rise for a while, nearly doubling since 2010. So, what's the deal? Is everyone in New York just living life on the edge (without proper protection)?
Theories on the Rise of the Sticky Situation
Here are a few reasons why gonorrhea might be having a bigger-than-average party in the city that never sleeps:
- Cupid's got a Crowded Calendar: New York City is a melting pot of people, which means a lot of, well, getting together. More hookups can lead to more opportunities to spread the not-so-love.
- The "Netflix and Chill" Myth: Let's be honest, sometimes staying in sounds way better than hitting the clubs. But that doesn't mean protection goes on vacation with your sweatpants.
- Antibiotic Apocalypse: Gonorrhea is getting craftier, developing resistance to some antibiotics. This makes it a trickier critter to treat.
So, what can you do?
- Get tested regularly, especially if you're dating around.
- Use protection, every single time. No exceptions, folks.
- Educate yourself and your partners. Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to protecting your bits and bobs.
Look, gonorrhea isn't the end of the world. It's treatable, but it's definitely not pleasant. Let's keep New York City a place for exciting adventures, not sticky situations. Be smart, be safe, and maybe think twice before that next risky rendezvous in a park after dark. Your future self (and nether regions) will thank you.
