STDs Are Now More Common Than Ever
Rates have hit an alarming high.
It really is time to talk about sex, baby, since STDs are now more common than ever, with cases increasing for the third year in a row.
This is all according to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Tuesday.
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Unsurprisingly, the report stresses the importance of sex education and says that young people aged 15 to 24 are particularly affected by certain infections.
So what diseases are we talking about exactly? Well, cases of gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis have risen to a record new high for the third consecutive year.
The report says that cases of gonorrhea has risen by 18.5%, syphilis 17.6% and chlamydia cases have increased by 4.7% .
So while all three of those diseases can actually be cured with antibiotics, the increase could be down to the fact that their symptoms (or sometimes lack of) can make them tricky to spot.
That's why it's super important to get regularly tested, since the earlier you catch and treat them, the less likely you are to suffer serious health consequences such as infertility and increased risk of HIV transmission.
A CDC director, Jonathan Mermin, M.D. said in a press release: "Increases in STDs are a clear warning of a growing threat."
"STDs are a persistent enemy, growing in number, and outpacing our ability to respond," he added.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea continue to impact 15 to 24-year-old's the most, with nearly half of chlamydia cases effecting young women.
Meanwhile syphilis and gonorrhea have been particularly affecting gay and bisexual men and seriously worryingly, newborns.
Needless to say it's pretty important to get checked regularly, and always use a condom since it's the only form of contraception that can protect you against STDs.
Better safe than sorry, eh?