The CDC just released their Sexually transmitted diseases surveillance report 2014. The data in the CDC report comes from local and national reporting statistics across the country and provides a look at the bigger picture of STD transmission rates in the United States.
The most alarming news from this recent report is the finding that the total number of cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis have all increased for the first time since 2006. Chlamydia saw a 2.8% increase in the number of new cases reported since 2013, bringing the total to 1.4. million new cases last year. Gonorrhea also saw an increase compared to 2013, an increase of 5.1%. Even more alarming was the sharp increase in the number of syphilis cases, a 15.1% increase from 2013. Syphilis can be extremely harmful and even fatal if left untreated.
The CDC also notes in their report that young people are still at the highest risk of contracting STDs. Young people aged 15 to 24 account for the highest rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea, almost 66% of all reported cases. Given these numbers, it’s even more clear that young people need to practice safe sex to protect themselves from contracting one of these highly contagious STDs. Although chlamydia and gonorrhea are easily treated with antibiotics and are therefore sometimes considered less serious, they can both cause significant damage to your health and even cause infertility in young women.
The increase in reported cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea from the previous year is alarming, but given that both STDs are typically asymptomatic, one can only imagine how much higher these numbers could actually be if all asymptomatic cases who have not yet been diagnosed would be added. Regular testing for these STDs can help detect these types of asymptomatic cases early, reducing the spread of the disease and providing necessary treatment to those who need it. It’s also important to know common STD symptoms, such as those of gonorrhea and chlamydia, so you can recognize them when they occur.
Given these numbers, all sexually active adults should take the necessary steps to protect themselves. Recommendations from the CDC include: “For sexually active individuals, testing and treatment according to CDC recommendations, using condoms consistently and correctly, and limiting the number of sex partners are all effective strategies to reduce the risk of infection and reduce health consequences.”