Many of us will at some point in our lives experience the sinking feeling that accompanies the news that we have contracted a sexually transmitted infection (STI), also known as STDs. According to Planned Parenthood, half of Americans will get an STI at some point. For the majority of people, it will be curable with short-term treatment, but for some, an STI will be life changing and devastating.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that pass from one person to another during sexual contact. STI is a broad term used to categorize many diseases and infections that are all transmitted in a similar manner but are tested, prevented and treated in different ways.
Aren’t they called STDs?
Infections are only called diseases when they cause symptoms, and many STIs do not have symptoms. Nonetheless, people commonly use the term sexually transmitted diseases or STD, even when there are no signs of disease. The technical term for all of the infections and disease we will cover in this blog is STI.
How common are STIs?
So you’re having sex or thinking about having sex, and you’d like to know how to protect yourself against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections? We applaud your efforts to educate yourself and protect your health.
We’ve compiled the latest information on STI prevalence in the United States to help you be aware of the seriousness of STIs and to help you understand your chances of getting an STI.
Perhaps you’ve already contracted an STI? As you will see from the statistics below, you are not alone. Chances are you will receive a simple treatment for it. If it is a more serious STI, there are support groups where you can speak to people in a similar situation.
In 2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) compiled the most recent STI information for three of the most common STIs and compiled it in a 184- page packet available here. For an overview of that packet, other statistics from the CDC, and information from additional sources*, read on:
STI Statistics
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
6.2 million new cases each year
The statistic above is from the American Social Health Association. The CDC estimates that at least 50% of sexually active people will have genital HPV at some time in their lives. According to the CDC, 10 percent of people with HPV infections will develop persistent dysplasia or cervical cancer (women only).
Genital Herpes
Approximately one million new cases per year
Genital herpes has long been the most prevalent viral sexually transmitted infection. Every 30 seconds, another person gets genital herpes. Genital herpes affect nearly 20% of the United States population. Genital herpes can be treated, but it cannot be cured.
Chlamydia
1,244,180 cases in 2009
This is the largest number of cases reported to the CDC for any sexually transmitted condition. This may be due, in part, to better reporting agencies and practices. Regardless, in an age where birth control is readily available to Americans, to have the highest reportage of an STI is unfortunate news.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
One million women per year
PID is a serious infection that harms women’s reproductive organs and is primarily caused by untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea. It is usually, but not always, the result of sexually transmitted infections.
Gonorrhea
301,174 cases in 2009
Gonorrhea saw a dramatic 74% decline from 1975-96, followed by a ten-year plateau. In the last three years, instances of this infection have begun decreasing again. Bravo!
Syphilis
13,997 cases in 2009
2009 saw the highest incidence of syphilis since 1995. This is a 5% increase from 2008, making it unlikely that economic hardships played a primary role in the increase.
Hepatitis B
Approximate total of 4,500 cases in 2009
This is the lowest rate ever recorded for hepatitis B, according to HIVandHepatitis.com.
HIV & AIDS
70,000 cases in North America in 2009
Statistics were published by Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). One in five people with HIV are thought to be unaware of having the condition.
Trichomoniasis (Trich)
7.4 million new cases per year in the U.S.
Trichomoniasis is often called “trich” and can be treated with a prescription medicine.
Pubic Lice
Estimated three million people treated each year
Pubic lice are also known as “crabs.” The statistics on cases of pubic lice are not very dependable, as not everyone is treated by a doctor, and there is no required reporting of pubic lice. Also, it’s possible for the same person to have several infections in one year. Pubic lice are primarily spread through sex play, but can be spread through day-to-day contact as they are capable of living in eyebrows and other non-pubic hair.
Chancroid
28 cases in 2009
According to the CDC, this disease, commonly found in developing countries, has generally declined since 1987.
Genital Warts
Genital warts statistics are difficult to assess. HPV is responsible for genital warts, and the strains of HPV that lead to genital warts are some of the most high-risk. High-risk strains of HPV are more likely to lead to cervical cancer; because of this, genital warts present more of a risk to women than men.
Up next, a guide to STI prevention.
*Statistics are provided by the CDC unless otherwise noted.
4 Responses to Sexually Transmitted Disesases (STDs), The Latest Statistics
Really you should have a picture of a black person up there because, even with their population being six times smaller than the most numerous race, they have thirteen times the amount of STDs not including AIDs/HIV. Source: cdc.gov/std/stats/
Why was that comment made above? It has nothing to do with the information given. It didn’t say anything races.
Hi Sareh,
That comment caught us off guard as well, but I think their point was, that percentage wise, the African american population has a higher rate of STD’s.
http://www.cdc.gov/std/health-disparities/race.htm
LOL, that was just so random, the way it was phrased was kind of racist, I’m black – I laughed at it actually, but it is a fact though, can’t be upset about it.