Sexually transmitted diseases are preventable ailments that can cause harmful and costly complications, including reproductive health problems, fetal and perinatal health problems, and cancer.

In 2020, gonorrhea rates were highest among Monroe County's black or African American residents, with 225 cases for every 10,000 residents. This was up 27% since 2000, similar to a 31% increase in the City of Rochester to 267 per 10,000 for 2020. Hispanic residents in 2020 had a rate of 71 per 10,000 in Monroe County and 104 per 10,000 in the City of Rochester. White residents in Monroe County have consistently had the lowest rate for gonorrhea, at 13 per 10,000 in 2020, an increase of 192% from 2000. The City of Rochester (25 cases per 10,000 residents) has had a similar increase (191%) in that same time period for white residents. These large percentage increases do not represent a large gain in absolute number of cases so much as a small initial case rate.

Racial disparities in gonorrhea infection are the result of several factors including poverty, education level, language status, health coverage, health care quality and employment. When access to health care is limited, preventive health screenings may not take place. Mistrust of the health care system may delay Blacks and Hispanics from connecting with the health system for testing and treatment for conditions including sexually transmitted diseases. Living in a community with a high incidence of sexually transmitted disease, having a high number of sexual partners and lack of condom use can all increase the likelihood of infection. Stress caused by racism can weaken the immune system increasing the susceptibility to a STD. A distorted self-image that results from internalized racism can also contribute to involvement with risky sexual behaviors and/or delay in health care. These disparities are further complicated when race intersects with homophobia, transphobia and xenophobia.

Not all sexually transmitted disease cases are reported. Variations in screening procedures and community awareness can have an impact on recorded trends. Data for Hispanics not available before 2004.