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Are STDs a “hidden epidemic”?

According to the CDC, STDs are hidden epidemics of enormous health and economic consequence in the United States. They are hidden because many people are reluctant to address them in an open way.

Providing information about personal health and health services can empower people to make healthier choices to protect their health.

STDTestCompare believes that the increased availability of STD testing options gives everyone a greater ability to take responsible steps in maintaining their sexual health.

About STD trends

Chlamydia infection is the most common notifiable STD in the US. From 2010-2014, the chlamydia rate in men increased 22%, with a 6% increase in women. This trend is influenced both by changes in incidence of infection as well as screening and reporting practices. It is important to understand that chlamydia infections are usually asymptomatic, so they may only be discovered upon testing. Left untreated, chlamydia but can result in pelvic inflammatory disease which is a major cause of chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy in women.

Gonorrhea is the second most commonly reported STD in the US and is also on the rise: its rate has increased 10.5% since 2010. Gonorrhea infections left untreated, like those from chlamydia, can lead to serious outcomes including pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and ectopic pregnancy. It is important to note that drug resistance is an increasingly important consideration in the treatment of gonorrhea. The emerging threat of drug resistance highlights the need for vigilance against gonorrhea infection.

Syphilis is a bacterial infection which can be associated with significant complications if left untreated, and can facilitate getting an HIV infection. Early syphilis in pregnant women may result in infant death in up to 40% of cases or, if acquired during the 4 years before pregnancy, can lead to infection of the fetus in up to 80% of cases. Syphilis cases were very low until 2000; since then rates have increased almost every year, with a 40% increase from 2010-2014.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is among the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections, and can cause recurrent, painful genital and/or anal lesions. Neonatal HSV infections can result in fetus or infant mortality. Reporting data for genital herpes are not available from the CDC.

Trichomoniasis infection is a common sexually transmitted protozoal infection with adverse health impacts such as preterm birth and vaginitis symptoms. Trend data for trichomoniasis are limited. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the US, with over 40 distinct types. The vast majority of infections, over 90%, don’t show symptoms and resolve on their own within two years. However, some types of HPV can cause cancer and genital warts. HPV accounts for 70% of cervical cancers worldwide and 90% of genital warts. An HPV vaccine to protect against cervical cancer and genital warts is recommended by the CDC for use in females and males ages 11-26 and is administered in 3 doses.

For more information on sexually transmitted disease trends, see http://www.cdc.gov/std/stats14/

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