Young people, ages 15-24, account for half of all new STIs, even though they represent only 25% of the sexually active population. The number of new infections roughly affects men and women equally.
The CDC analyzed data from 2008 on eight common STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B (HBV), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human papillomavirus (HPV), syphilis, and trichomoniasis.
There was both good and bad news.
Fortunately, four of these STIs are easily treated and cured if diagnosed early on; chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.
The bad news? Four infections may present few signs and symptoms early in their course, and if undetected and untreated, can lead to infertility, chronic pelvic pain and life-threatening ectopic pregnancy. Late-stage syphilis can cause devastating nervous system disorders.
HPV accounts for about 70% of newly acquired STIs. Most HPV infections generate a natural immune system response that clears the virus from the body within two years without any lasting health effects. However, some strains of HPV will progress to potentially serious diseases, including genital warts, cervical, throat and other cancers.
Most sexually-active men and women will be exposed to HPV at some point. The majority will clear the virus, but some will develop complications.
Fortunately, vaccines such as Gardasil and Cervarix are available and can prevent serious HPV diseases. These HPV vaccines that protect against some of most aggressive HPV strains are routinely recommended for 11- or 12-year old girls and boys. The CDC recommends HPV vaccination for all teen girls and women through age 26, teen boys and men through age 21, and through age 26 for gay and bisexual men. The vaccines are most effective when administered prior to the onset of sexual activity.
Not all STIs are treatable, but all are preventable. Abstinence, limiting the number of sexual partners and proper use of condoms are all effective preventive strategies. STI screening and prompt treatment of infections is important to both protect a person’s health and prevent transmission to others.
The CDC recommends that all adults and adolescents should be tested at least once for HIV. Annual chlamydia screening is recommended for all sexually-active women age 25 and under, as well as for older women with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners. Yearly gonorrhea screening is encouraged for at-risk women, such as those with new or multiple sex partners. Syphilis, HIV, chlamydia and HBV screening is recommended for all pregnant women, and gonorrhea screening for at-risk pregnant women at the first prenatal visit.
Trichomoniasis screening should be conducted at least annually for all HIV-infected women, and screening at least yearly for syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV for all sexually active gay and bisexual men. Talk to your doctor about which screening regimen is right for you.
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