The Stats

• Syphilis has risen 76 percent to 30,644
• Gonorrhea Diagnoses increased 67 percent to 555,608
• Chlamydia is the most common STD with almost 1.7 million cases in 2017; in 2013 that number was 1.4 million.
• Half of Chlamydia cases were girls, ages 15 to 24
• Many Americans are walking around UNDIAGNOSED
• Gonorrhea in men almost doubled to 322,169 in 2017, compared to 2013.
• In women, Gonorrhea rose almost 18 percent to 232,587
• In the 70s, Gonorrhea reached infected over 1,000,000 people annually; these numbers were declining until the past 4 years.

• 

2.3 million cases of diseases in 2017

The U.S. has recorded a record number of sexually transmitted diseases in the year 2017. This marks the fourth year in-a-row, that there has been an alarming increase in gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

We are sliding backwards

“We are sliding backwards. It is evident the systems used to I.D., treat, and ultimately prevent STDs are strained to near-breaking point.” – Jonathan Mermin, Director of the CDC’s National STD Center

“The rise is due to stagnant federal funding for prevention efforts, a lack of screening and a decrease in condom use. Also, lack of awareness that some methods used to prevent other sexually related conditions – such as IUDs and a pill to reduce the risk of HIV – don’t protect against common STD’s.” – David Harvey – Executive Director, National Coalition of STD Directors

Resistant Gonorrhea Has Emerged

The growing trend has been exacerbated by the fact that gonorrhea could soon become resistant to antibiotics; along with prevention efforts that have decreased over the years. Experts have also claimed people are using condoms less than they did in the past.

“We expect gonorrhea will eventually wear down our last highly effective antibiotic, and additional treatment options are urgently needed.” Gail Bolan, Director of CDC’s Division of STD Prevention

Many People in the U.S. are Not Being Diagnosed or Treated

Many people are living in the U.S. , have diseases, and are untreated and diagnosed. Not treating these diseases could cause infertility, stillbirth, and increased risks of HIV. Most of the time, these diseases can be cured with an antibiotic. However, gonorrhea has become resistant to almost every class of antibiotic except Ceftriaxone.

Source: Bloomberg