STD Rates Are Up: Skyrocketed from 2007 to 2018

Reports have shown that STD rates are up for all age groups. According to a study of a private health insurance, STD claims nearly doubled from 2007 to 2018.

Fast Company reported that the biggest increases went to mycoplasma genitalium, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and hepatitis B. The article clarified that these numbers only count people who know that they have an STD (chlamydia, for example, is often asymptomatic), and then seek treatment.

“STDs can come at a high cost for babies and other vulnerable populations,” said Jonathan Mermin, M.D., M.P.H., director of CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention. “Curbing STDs will improve the overall health of the nation and prevent infertility, HIV, and infant deaths.”

An article by Fast Company noted that the best things to do are to get tested regularly, insist that partners get tested, and practice safe sex. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Antibiotics can cure syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. However, left untreated, STDs can be transmitted to others and produce adverse health outcomes such as infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and increased HIV risk.”