The number of sexually transmitted infection (STI) cases remains high, but according to data from the America’s CDC, the epidemic may be slowing down, particularly among men who have sex with men.
In the US alone, over 2.4 million cases of STIs were reported in 2023, according to CDC’s annual Sexually Transmitted Infections Surveillance. And while that number may seem high, infection rates have actually been going down — e.g. gonorrhea cases declined 7% from 2022, dropping for the second year in a row; and primary and secondary syphilis cases fell 10%.
“While the STI epidemic touches nearly every community, some geographic areas and populations are affected more severely, including American Indian/Alaska Native, Black/African American, and Hispanic/Latino people, as well as gay and bisexual men,” the CDC stated, adding that this is due to such factors as “poverty, lack of health insurance, less access to health care, and stigma.”
For the CDC, stronger efforts are needed from governments to fight STIs, including allocating funds to develop and distribute prevention, testing, and treatment solutions.
In a statement, Jonathan Mermin, Director of CDC’s National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, said: “I see a glimmer of hope amidst millions of STIs… After nearly two decades of STI increases, the tide is turning. We must make the most of this moment — let’s further this momentum with creative innovation and further investment in STI prevention.”
