Research shows that sexually transmitted diseases continue to spread around the world at an alarming rate. But how common are STDs in the United States? According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of STD cases in the US continued to rise in 2019, pushing the country to a record high for the sixth year in a row. Infection rates vary depending on where you go in the country due to a number of factors, but the fact is that STDs occur everywhere, making it essential to practice safe sex and get tested regularly.
STD facts and figures
STD Statistics in the US
- In 2018, there were 26 million new STD cases in the US.
- As of 2018, 1 in 5 people in the US have an STD (nearly 68 million infections).
- Nearly 50% of all new STD infections in 2018 occurred in people between the ages of 15 and 24.
- More than half of all people in the US will contract an STD in their lifetime.
- 1 in 2 sexually active people will have contracted an STD by the age of 25.
- Nearly everyone will develop HPV during their lifetime, and more than 42 million people in the US are currently infected with a type of HPV that causes disease.
- The CDC estimates that approximately 40 to 50 million adults in the US have genital herpes, but most people are unaware of it due to the lack of symptoms, or because the symptoms are mistaken for another skin condition. .
- About 1.2 million people in the US have HIV, and about 13% don’t know they are positive.
- It is estimated that half of all gonorrhea infections are resistant to at least one antibiotic, making it more difficult to treat.
For more data on STDs in the United States: Check out our Comprehensive guide to STD statistics in the US
Most common STDs
- HPV – more than 14 million new cases every year.
- Chlamydia – 1,579,885 new cases in 2020
- Trichomoniasis – estimated more than 2 million new cases in 2018.
- Gonorrhea – 677,769 new cases in 2020
- Genital herpes – More than 572,000 new infections in 2018
- Syphilis – 133,945 new cases in 2020 (all phases)
- HIV – 36,801 new diagnoses in 2019.
- HBV – approximately 3,000 newly reported cases annually
Top 5 States with the Lowest STD Rates
- Vermont
- New Hampshire
- Maine
- Wyoming
- Wyoming
Top 5 States with the Highest STD Rates
- Mississippi
- Louisiana
- Georgia
- New York
- Maryland
Top 10 Cities with the Highest STD Rates in the US
- Jackson, MS
- Baltimore, MD
- San Francisco, CA
- Philadelphia, PA
- Washington, DC
- Augusta, GE
- New York, NY
- Montgomery, AL
- Knoxville, TN
- Fayetteville, NC
Possible causes of increased STD rates
Before we look at the numbers, it’s important to remember that there are several factors at play that influence how common STDs are in a given area of the US. Even during the pandemic, STD rates continue to rise, but there appear to be simple explanations as to why. For those who continued to see a doctor, virtual visits meant more diagnoses were missed. There were shortages of labs and testing supplies as the focus shifted to COVID-19. While these problems may not be as widespread anymore, one of the biggest issues that still contribute to increasing STD rates is the lack of education and access to necessary sexual health clinics and resources.
Don’t add to the numbers – get tested today
For sexually active individuals, the best way to help prevent the spread of STDs is to get tested regularly and continue to practice safe sex. At Priority STD Testing, our goal is to ensure everyone has access to the education and resources they need to take control of their sexual health. We offer a variety of tests, whether you want to test for a specific STD or do a complete panel. The best part? Each test is convenient, confidential and you will get results within 24-72 hours.
*All facts and statistics are accurate as of September 21, 2022, using information from various credible observational studies, estimates and sources.