What Are the Chances You Don't Have an STD?

By: Hillary Crosley | Posted: February 15, 2013 at 1:44 PM

CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (pdf) released some startling statistics this week regarding the spread of sexually transmitted diseases among Americans. It might be time to head to the doctor's office, just to be safe and healthy.

CDC estimates that there are more than 19.7 million new STIs in the United States each year. While most of these STIs will not cause harm, some have the potential to cause serious health problems, especially if not diagnosed and treated early. Young people (ages 15-24) are particularly affected, accounting for half (50 percent) of all new STIs, although they represent just 25 percent of the sexually experienced population ...

CDC's analysis suggests that there are more than 110 million STIs overall among men and women nationwide. This estimate includes both new and existing infections. Some prevalent infections -- such as HSV-2 and HIV -- are treatable but lifelong infections ...

STIs place a significant economic strain on the U.S. healthcare system. CDC conservatively estimates that the lifetime cost of treating eight of the most common STIs contracted in just one year is $15.6 billion ...

CDC's analyses included eight common STIs: chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B virus (HBV), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), HIV, human papillomavirus (HPV), syphilis, and trichomoniasis.

Read more at the CDC.gov.

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