San Francisco Reports Sharp Drop in STI Cases Amid Expanded Prevention Efforts

4 articles · Updated · San Francisco Examiner · Apr 14

San Francisco saw significant declines in reported cases of syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea in 2025, according to the Department of Public Health.
Officials attribute the drop to increased use of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy-PEP), especially among men who have sex with men and transgender women.
Despite progress, disparities persist among people of color and unhoused residents, highlighting the need for ongoing targeted public health investment.

Given the national congenital syphilis crisis, how can California's recent declines be replicated across the U.S.?

Could the Bicillin shortage for syphilis treatment undermine San Francisco's overall STI progress?

With critical funding expiring and clinic closures, how will public health systems sustain STI prevention and treatment efforts?

How will the global community balance doxy-PEP's immediate benefits with warnings from European health officials on AMR?

Are the newly approved gonorrhea drugs a definitive solution, or will resistance emerge quickly, similar to doxy-PEP concerns?