CDC Cites Ongoing, Severe Sexually Transmitted Disease Epidemic

Editor's Note: The following information is provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued two new studies of sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, which a lead author called “an ongoing, severe STI epidemic.”

Youth ages 15-24 are the most at risk accounting for 50 percent of the new infections. The CDC says significant reductions in new infections are not only possible, they are urgently needed.

April is STD Awareness Month, an opportunity for individuals, doctors, and community-based organizations to address ways to prevent some of the nearly 20 million new sexually-transmitted diseases, or STDs, that occur in the United States each year, the CDC said on its website.

Some statistics from the CDC reports:

• Treating eight of the most common STIs in a year costs the American healthcare system nearly $16 billion in direct medical costs alone. 
• Young People (age 15-24) account for almost half of all new STIs
• Gonorrhea in the U.S has risen for the first time in decades and is now resistant to most antibiotics.
• The U.S. has the highest rate of STIs in the industrialized world, according to the CDC, along with the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation and the American Social Health Association.

Teen Statistics

• In the United States, 46 percent of high school students have had sexual intercourse and potentially are at risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, other sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs.
• The National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States recommends educating young persons about HIV before they begin engaging in behaviors that place them at risk for HIV infection
• About 1 in 3 sexually active high school students did not use a condom during last sexual intercourse
• 1 in 4 sexually active teenagers has an STD (Centers for Disease Control)
• Nearly 50 percent of the 19 million new STD infections are diagnosed in people between the ages of 15 to 24.

Effective strategies for reducing STD risk include:

• Abstinence: The most reliable way to avoid infection is to not have sex (i.e., anal, vaginal or oral).
• Vaccination: Vaccines are safe, effective, and recommended ways to prevent hepatitis B and HPV. HPV vaccines for males and females can protect against some of the most common types of HPV. It is best to get all three doses (shots) before becoming sexually active. However,  HPV vaccines are recommended for all teen girls and women through age 26 and all teen boys and men through age 21, who did not get all three doses of the vaccine when they were younger. You should also get vaccinated for hepatitis B if you were not vaccinated when you were younger.
• Mutual monogamy: Mutual monogamy means that you agree to be sexually active with only one person, who has agreed to be sexually active only with you. Being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner is one of the most reliable ways to avoid STDs. But you must both be certain you are not infected with STDs. It is important to have an open and honest conversation with your partner.
• Reduced number of sex partners: Reducing your number of sex partners can decrease your risk for STDs. It is still important that you and your partner get tested, and that you share your test results with one another.
• Condoms: Correct and consistent use of the male latex condom is highly effective in reducing STD transmission. Use a condom every time you have anal, vaginal, or oral sex.
• Put Yourself to the Test: Knowing your STD status is a critical step to stopping STD transmission. If you know you are infected you can take steps to protect yourself and your partners.
• Be sure to ask your healthcare provider to test you for STDs — asking is the only way to know whether you are receiving the right tests. And don’t forget to tell your partner to ask a healthcare provider about STD testing as well.
• Many STDs can be easily diagnosed and treated. If either you or your partner is infected, both of you need to receive treatment at the same time to avoid getting re-infected.
• You can quickly find a place to be tested for STDs by entering your zip code here.

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