Reported cases of sexually transmitted diseases hit an all-time high in 2015, according to a new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which tracks the three most common STDs: chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. The cdc attributes the upswing to an erosion of public prevention resources and treatment services, as well as increased screening. At their worst, STDs can cause infertility, cancer and death—and their spread can lead to antibiotic resistance. More extensive and comprehensive sex education, along with better community services, could most effectively overturn the trend.
110 million : Estimated total number of STD infections in the U.S.
478.8 : Chlamydia cases per 100,000 people
5.9% : Increase in chlamydia cases from 2014 to 2015—an all-time high
12.8% : Rate increase in gonorrhea
19% : Rate increase in syphilis
$16 billion : Annual cost of treating STDs
— source scientificamerican.com