STIs in the U.S.

During 2007, the most recent year for which national surveillance data are available, the rates of reported chlamydia and syphilis diagnoses rose by 7.5% and 15.0%, respectively. The rate of reported gonorrhea diagnoses remained stable but high.

The health consequences of chlamydia and gonorrhea are greatest for young women. Although often asymptomatic, these infections are a major cause of pelvic inflammatory disease, which can lead to chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. Universal screening for chlamydia is recommended for all sexually active women younger than 26 and for older women with risk factors; however, most women were not screened in 2007.

Syphilis can lead to serious long-term complications, if left untreated, …