STDs Rise in the U.S.

A recent report by the Centers for Disease Control show that the incidence rates (PDF file) for three sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and Syphilis. With nearly two million reported cases of Chlamydia in 2006; and gonorrhea becoming resistant to most drugs, the CDC is concerned about what the future may hold.
Despite all of the progress in researching, preventing, and treating sexually transmitted diseases, the CDC estimates that about nineteen million new cases appear each year. Of these, it is estimated that fifty-percent are between the ages of fifteen twenty-four.

Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and Syphilis are all treatable and curable diseases. They can however, cause permanent damage if not diagnosed immediately. Different reasons are attributed to the rise of each; therefore, a different approach must be taken to reduce the numbers.

Chlamydia
In 2006, Chlamydia was the most commonly reported infectious disease in the U.S.; being diagnosed at three times the rate of gonorrhea (the second highest). The CDC says however that many cases go unreported and in reality, the rates are much higher.
The main issue with Chlamydia is that three quarters of woman do not have any symptoms. Which not only leaves the disease untreated and likely to cause serious health problems, but can spread to their partner.
Gonorrhea
The rates for gonorrhea have been increasing and CDC researchers say this is mainly due to the disease becoming resistant to the antibiotics used to fight it.
Researchers are currently on a quest for new medicines and hope that time is on their side. Until then, the same antibiotics will be used in hopes it is still effective.
Syphilis
Even though syphilis may not be as much a threat (as far as numbers are concerned) as Chlamydia, it is a STD many doctors dread. After reaching an all time low in 2000, the rates for syphilis have increased 13.8% ( 2.9 to 3.3 cases per 100,000 cases) this past year. Doctors and researchers thought they had conquered this disease, only to find that it is again rising at an alarming rate.
Syphilis can be seen as much more dangerous because if untreated it can lead to blindness, mental problems, and even death.


In the report, the CDC also mentions the racial disparities among the figures. According to the study, racial and ethnic minorities appear to be more severely effected by STDs in the U.S. Reasons are mainly due to socio-economic status and a lack of health care access. In addition, these groups are more likely to attend a public health clinic that report STDs more fully than a private clinic.

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