According to the CDC, the number of reported cases of sexually transmitted diseases among teenagers and young adults is increasing. In 2015 there were more than 1.5 million chlamydia cases reported (1,526,658), nearly 400,000 cases of gonorrhea (395,216), and nearly 24,000 cases of primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis (23,872).”  The CDC is saying that the number of cases is at an unprecedented high.   “Individuals ages 15 to 24 years old accounted for nearly two-thirds of chlamydia diagnoses and half of gonorrhea diagnoses.  Men who have sex with men (MSM) accounted for the majority of new gonorrhea and P&S syphilis cases.”

Chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis (the three most common bacterial STDs) have serious, long term health implications.  All three STDs can be treated with antibiotics, although gonorrhea is becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics.  There is evidence suggesting that antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea may be higher among MSM.  To learn more about STDs, visit www.cdc.gov/std/

State and local budget cuts may be the blame for the rise in reported STD cases because services and prevention programs have been eliminated in many towns. Dr. Jonathan Mermin[i] reported that in 2012, 20 state health departments closed their STD clinics.

The good news is that University Health Services (UHS) offers low cost, self-testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia.  Visit studentaffairs.psu.edu/health/gettested/ to learn more about the testing options available through UHS.

STD Infections Rise To New Highs After States Close Health Clinics by Angus Chen,  www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/133188449/public-health

[i]  Director of the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention for the CDC