National Center for HIV-AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention

Three curable bacterial sexually transmitted diseases (STDs): chlamydia (CT), gonorrhea (GC), and syphilis are nationally notifiable and have historically been the focus of federally funded STD prevention programs throughout the U.S. In 2017, 2.3 million cases of these STDs were reported to CDC, reflecting an increase of 35% since 2013[1]. However, these cases do not fully reflect the burden of STDs as many infections are asymptomatic and never diagnosed and reported - and this does not include other STDs that are not nationally notifiable. STDs can have long-term health consequences in addition to the immediate impact on an individual's health. STDs are also an economic burden on the U.S. healthcare system costing billions annually[2]. Persons with STDs are at risk for acquisition or transmission of HIV and represent