NEWS

San Francisco Department of Public Health Reports Significant Declines in Sexually Transmitted Infections in 2025

Department of Public Health

Health Officials Encourage Action This STI Awareness Week

SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) reported significant declines in syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea cases in 2025. As Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Awareness Week begins, SFDPH is encouraging the public to take action to protect their sexual health.

In 2025, San Francisco saw a 24% decrease in reported syphilis cases, an 18% decrease in chlamydia cases, and a 5% decrease in gonorrhea cases compared to 2024.

The steepest declines in STI cases were among men who have sex with men and transgender women. The decline of STI cases in these populations has followed the implementation and use of doxy‑PEP, an antibiotic taken after sex that is highly effective at preventing syphilis and chlamydia. SFDPH was the first health department in the county to release doxy-PEP guidance in 2022. People are encouraged to talk to their provider to see if doxy-PEP is right for them.

“STI prevention is a key priority for SFDPH, and we are thrilled to see that doxy-PEP is making a difference in our communities,” said Director of Health Daniel Tsai. “STI Awareness Week reminds all of us just how important it is to pay attention to our sexual health and learn about the many effective prevention and treatment options that are available.”

“We are excited to see the progress being made in lowering STI diagnoses in San Francisco,” said San Francisco Health Officer Dr. Susan Philip. “This STI Awareness Week, we encourage the public to keep up the momentum by taking actions — such as getting tested — to protect their sexual health.”

“The remarkable drop in STI cases in San Francisco is due in large part to the trailblazing work that made the rollout of doxy-PEP possible,” said Dr. Stephanie Cohen, Director of STI and HIV Prevention and Control. “Doxy-PEP shows us that by investing in research and innovative programming, and by collaborating with healthcare providers and the community, we can improve public health in our City.”'

In addition to learning about doxy-PEP, SFDPH encourages the public to take the following steps this STI Awareness Week and all year long:

  • Talk with your partners and provider about when you last tested for an STI and make testing part of your regular health routine. It can even be done at home.
  • If you test positive for an STI, tell your partners and get treated right away.
  • Learn about HIV PrEP. PrEP is for people of all genders and more than 99% effective against HIV when taken as directed.
  • Get vaccinated to help prevent hepatitis A, hepatitis B, human papillomavirus (HPV), meningitis, and mpox infections.
  • Use condoms for additional protection for you and your partners.

STI testing, prevention options, and treatment are available through insurance. People who do not have insurance or do not have a primary care provider are welcome to explore the following resources: