According to recent reports published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) – gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia have been on the rise. This is especially true in many large cities, according to a recent report on PEW Trusts.
The same report alleges that about 1.4 million people have been diagnosed with Chlamydia translating to a rate of 456.1 cases in every 100,000 persons. When compared to 2013, it shows that these cases have risen by 2.8%.
Chlamydia — Rates Of Reported Cases By Sex, United States, 1994–2014
Source- http://www.cdc.gov/std/stats14/figures/1.htm
The number of patients affected with primary and secondary syphilis has increased by 15.1%, while those affected by gonorrhea rose by 5.1% during the same period. In 2014, the nation recorded about 356,062 cases of individuals affected with gonorrhea translating to 110.7 per 100,000 persons. In addition, there we 19999 cases of persons affected with primary and secondary syphilis in the year 2014, which shows a rate of 6.13 per 100,000.
Over the past years, sexually transmitted diseases have continued to affect the young population. However, this does not mean that adults are safe because we have a good number of them affected by the problem. Out of the young affected with sexually transmitted diseases, the highest percentage comprises women of different ages. Despite the high number of women affected by sexually transmitted diseases within the country, experts allege that the increasing rate among men has played a great role in this trend across all the diseases we have just listed.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among Gay Or Bi-Sexual People
Although sexually transmitted diseases affect people of all lifestyles, the same report points out that the number of gay men infected with various diseases is increasing at an alarming rate, which calls for quick action from all the stakeholders. The increased cases of sexually transmitted diseases among gay and bisexually oriented men call for further research.
Cases of primary and secondary syphilis have continued to increase among men who make love to their fellow men (MSM) since the year 2000. In 2014, cases of secondary syphilis among MSM accounted for about 83% of the affected men who engaged in sexual activities with known partners.
The most disturbing thing is that more than half of MSM (51%) affected with syphilis were also diagnosed with HIV. Medical experts claim that sores brought about by syphilis make one more vulnerable to HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
So far, Syphilis is the only sexually transmitted disease with reports on the same sex of the sex partner. However, reports have shown that men who engage in sex with other men are also experiencing increased cases of Chlamydia and gonorrhea than ever before. This has made it important for experts to do more research to find out the reason behind this.
Bi-sexually oriented and gay men face social, epidemiologic, and personal risk factors that tend to fuel up cases of transmitted diseases among them. In addition, the challenges they face when it comes to receiving medical services, such as stigma, homophobia, and lack of high-quality healthcare services within the country, make them more vulnerable as far as their lifestyle is concerned.
Professionals recommend that MSM should go for screening at least one time per year for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis among other sexually transmitted complications, so that they can live a healthy life. To identify as well as address the cases of sexually transmitted diseases among MSM, CDC has put in a lot of effort in research that will help them to determine their problems so that they can find long last solutions.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among Young People
According to 2014 data, young people face a higher risk of suffering from Sexually transmitted diseases than adults. Some of the common sexually transmitted diseases affecting youths include gonorrhea and syphilis. One of the things that have contributed to increased cases of sexually transmitted diseases in the young population is drug abuse. Youths who take alcohol, beer, and other drinks are more likely to suffer from Chlamydia and gonorrhea than those who do not.
In conclusion, the increased number of people affected with sexually transmitted diseases has prompted the need for further research. Cases of STDs are more prevalent among youths than adults. Out of this population, women account for the highest percentage. In addition, gay and bisexually oriented men face higher risks of gonorrhea, syphilis, and Chlamydia, among other diseases. CDC has been researching day and night to come up with a long-lasting solution that will help to control this trend.