Rates of Some Sexually Transmitted Diseases Rising, CDC Reports
December 10, 2010
There's some good news from researchers who study the rates of gonorrhea, syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the United States—as well as some not-so-good news. Both can be found in the latest report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Syphilis rates, for example, plummeted from 1990 to 2000, but rates have been creeping upward ever since. There was a 4.5% increase in rates of syphilis from 2008 to 2009. The increase was particularly sharp in certain groups: among black men, the increase was 12.2% from 2008 to 2009. Researchers were particularly alarmed by the increase among men who have sex with men—cases of syphilis attributed to this group increased from 4% in 2000 to a staggering 62% in 2009.
Gonorrhea rates, however, continue to decline in the United States. Between 1975 and 1996, rates of gonorrhea plunged 74% following the implementation of a nationwide gonorrhea control program in the 1970s. Rates continue to decline among males and females, as well as all age, racial and ethnic groups, dropping 10.5% from 2008 to 2009.
Chlamydia is the most frequently reported STD in the United States. More known cases are expected to result from more vigorous screening practices, increased test sensitivity and better reporting from health-care professionals. Between 2008 and 2009, rates of chlamydia increased 2.8%.
The CDC estimates that there are roughly 19 million new STD infections each year. These cost the health-care system $16.4 billion each year, and that number rises when long-term health consequences are factored in.
"Less than half of people who should be screened receive recommended STD screening services," the CDC report states. "Undetected and untreated STDs can increase a person's risk for HIV and cause other serious health consequences, such as infertility. STD screening can help detect disease early and, when combined with treatment, is one of the most effective tools available to protect one's health and prevent the spread of STDs to others."
Source: CDC: Trends in Sexually Transmitted Diseases in the United States: 2009 National Data for Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and Syphilis.
