STDs Facts And Statistics

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 20 million new cases of STDs usually occur in the US, every year. Most of these cases involve young people under 23 years. United States has the highest rate of STD infection in the developed world.

One in two sexually active persons will contract an STD by 25 years. Undiagnosed STDs make over 20,000 women in the US to become infertile every year. The annual direct cost of STDs in the US is around $16 billion.

STDs List

1. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

2. Syphilis

3. Gonorrhea

4. Chlamydia

5. Herpes

6. Chancroid

7. Hepatitis

8. Trichomoniasis

9. HIV/AIDs

HPV Facts & Statistics

CDC data estimates that for 2013-2014, 40% of women, and 42% of men between 18-59 years had genital HPV. According to researchers, 80% of sexually active people will have this infection during their life.

Within six years of the administration of the first HPV vaccine, HPV prevalence reduced by 64% among females between 14 to 19 years and 34% among those between 20 to 24 years.

HPV causes over 30,000 cancer cases every year in the US. It causes anal and cervical cancers. HPV causes around 69% of vulvar cancer cases and 75% vaginal cancer cases.

HIV Facts and Statistics

One in seven Americans does not know that they have HIV. CDC data shows that over 1 million Americans are living with HIV. In 2015, 39,513 Americans tested positive for HIV. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), is a medication taken daily by HIV negative individuals that can reduce the risk of HIV infection by over 90%.

Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and Chlamydia

Syphilis and Gonorrhea are very common STDs. Actually; the three most reported STDs are syphilis, gonorrhea, and Chlamydia. In 2015, the rates of these three STDs in America reached a record level with over 1.5 million cases of Chlamydia.

In 2015, young Americans constituted over 60% of Chlamydia diagnoses and 50% of gonorrhea diagnoses. Cases of gonorrhea infections increased every year from 2013 to 2015. Untreated gonorrhea and Chlamydia in women can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). CDC estimates that 1 in 8 women with PID usually experiences difficulties becoming pregnant.

Home Testing for STDs

Most STDs do not have early symptoms. For example, HIV can go undetected for over 7 years. Some do not show any signs at all. The only way to know whether you have STDs is by testing for STDs.

Most people do like hospital testing because of the stigma associated with STDs. People hate the embarrassment associated with testing positive for an STD in front a doctor. The best way to test for STDs is by using a home STD testing kit. With this kit, you will test for STDs from the comfort of your home. The test will happen in a matter of seconds. You can purchase a kit that will test for all STDs.

The Bottom-Line

Many Americans are living with STDs and they are unaware of it. Over 65 million Americans have STDs. The best way to prevent STDs is by having safe sex. You should regularly test for STDs. Most STDs are treatable if identified earlier.

Chlamydia is one of the most common STDs that infect almost 3 million people in the U.S. each year. It is most common among individuals aged 14 to 24 years old. Chlamydia is caused by a type of bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. It is treatable and people who have the infection can remain healthy as long as they undergo treatment and practice safe sex.

Symptoms

Most people with chlamydia exhibit no symptoms at all. If they do develop, symptoms typically occur a few weeks after infection. Among women, symptoms can include vaginal discharge or a burning sensation during urination. Abnormal discharge and a burning sensation during urination may also occur in men who have this disease. Pain and inflammation of the testicles may also be present.

How is Chlamydia Spread?

The manner of infection for chlamydia is through direct contact with bodily fluids such as semen, pre-ejaculate, and vaginal fluid during sexual intercourse with a person who is infected. The infection can then infect the male and female genitalia, anus, urethra, throat, and eyes. Chlamydia can be spread through vaginal, oral, and anal sex.

In rare cases, the infection can also be spread by touching the eyes of an infected person. Infection through eye fluids may also occur through direct contact with contaminated towels. Interestingly, flies can spread the infection. Mothers who have chlamydia can also pass on the infection to their child during birth.

Chlamydia cannot be spread through indirect or casual contact, such as through holding hands, kissing, hugging, sneezing, or coughing. The bacteria do not survive long enough outside the body, so it is not likely that anyone could become infected through contact with toilet seats. It is also not likely that it can be spread through sharing of food and drinks.

How is Chlamydia Treated?

Many types of STDs respond well to appropriate and timely treatment. Chlamydia responds well to antibiotics such as doxycycline or azithromycin. Either azithromycin or erythromycin may be prescribed for pregnant mothers or babies who have the disease.

Treatment of chlamydia should also include the sexual partner/s or the infected person. Typically, patients are advised to refrain from engaging in sexual activity for at least a week until they are free from symptoms. Additionally, testing for other types of STDs such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and HIV may also be recommended. Once the treatment is completed, people are often asked to undergo testing after 3 months.

How Can Chlamydia Be Prevented?

Using condoms, abstaining from sex, and avoiding sexual contact with infected individuals can help prevent the spread of STDs, including chlamydia. Screening can also help in proper diagnosis especially among individuals who are sexually active or at a higher risk of infection.

What Happens If Chlamydia is Left Untreated?

In general, STDs do not clear up on their own and should be treated immediately to prevent complications and re-infection. If not treated, it could lead to serious health problems later, such as pelvic inflammatory disease among women, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. If infection affects the eyes, it could lead to trachoma, a condition that causes blindness.