The Growing Burden of Sexually Transmitted Infections

By Edward C. Geehr, M.D., Lifescript Chief Medical Officer

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently published two analyses that examine the severe human and economic impact of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the U.S. The CDC estimates that there are 20 million new infections each year that burden the health-care system with nearly $16 billion in medical expenses. (STI is the generally accepted terminology for what was once called an STD, or sexually transmitted disease.) 

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.

My husband cheated on me...he used a condom, but am I still at risk for STDs?

Q: My husband cheated on me...he used a condom, but am I still at risk for STDs?My husband just admitted that he cheated on me a few years ago. I know that after he did, I got some type of infection that the doctor cleared up with medication. He said he used a condom with the other woman. Could he have transmitted an STD from her to me even though he used a condom with her? Second, I might leave him...how long should I wait before having sex with someone new?

Is it possible to get STDs in a monogamous relationship?

Q: Is it possible to get STDs in a monogamous relationship?

I had unprotected sex before I met my current partner. I’m the first and the only partner of the person I’m with now. I recently went to a clinic to get myself tested and I have no STDs. If my partner and I just stick with each other (for sexual pleasure), can we still get an STD through unprotected intercourse or through unprotected oral sex?