Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are very common. Millions of new infections occur every year in the United States.
STDs pass from one person to another through vaginal, oral, and anal sex. They also can spread through intimate physical contact like heavy petting, though this is not very common.
STDs don’t always cause symptoms or may only cause mild symptoms. Therefore, it is possible to have an infection and not know it. That is why getting an STD test is important if you are having sex. If you receive a positive STD diagnosis, know that all are treatable with medicine and some are curable entirely.
New data released by the CDC reveals that sexually transmitted infections are on the rise and show no signs of slowing down. NBC’s Dr. Akshay Syal breaks down what can be done to address the uptick in cases.
What is HIV?
Dr. Catherine Satterwhite, epidemiologist in CDC's Division of STD Prevention, discusses the high number of new sexually transmitted infections (STI) in the United States among young people, aged 15-24 years. She provides helpful tips for clinicians who are talking to their young patients about STI prevention and testing. Dr. Satterwhite also covers current HPV vaccine recommendations and STI screening recommendations. Further resources can be found at www.cdc.gov/std.
In fact, reported cases (all stages) have increased by 74% since 2017, with over 176,000 cases reported in 2021 alone. And that's not all - congenital syphilis has seen an even more dramatic increase of 203%. Shockingly, there were 2,855 cases of CS reported this year, including 220 infant deaths and stillbirths related to syphilis.1
A Dangerous Duo
HIV and syphilis are both serious infections that can have devastating consequences on their own, but when they occur together, the risks become even greater. Coinfection can lead to increased HIV transmission, higher viral loads, and lower syphilis treatment effectiveness. And, for those who are HIV-negative, having syphilis can make it easier to contract HIV.2
The guidelines provide CDC’s most current evidence-based recommendations for preventing, diagnosing and treating people who have, or are at risk for, STIs. Includes regimens, evidence tables, wall chart, and pocket guide.
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details and accept the service to view the translations.