Last Year's Increase In STD Infections Was Entirely Due To Men

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released their data on rates of STD infection among sexually active Americans in 2012 today. Merry Public Health Employee Christmas, one and all!

The good news: this marks the first year since 1995 that the CDC did not record an increase in rate of chlamydia infection among women, the rates of gonorrhea and syphilis infection among women pretty much remained the same as 2011. Way to be, ladies!

The bad news: all statistical increases in chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis infection in the year 2012 can be attributed to increases of infection among men. Specifically, young, gay, and nonwhite men, a group that’s already criminally underserved. This indicates a need for better education and outreach, and better access to health care for young, gay men of color.

In addition, the CDC added this little note about our scary old friend Herpes,

Although HSV-2 seroprevalence is decreasing, most persons with HSV-2 have not received a diagnosis. During 2005–2008, the percentage of NHANES survey participants aged 20–49 years infected with HSV-2 who reported a diagnosis of genital herpes was 18.9%. An overall increase in the number of visits for genital herpes over time, as suggested by NDTI data, may indicate increased recognition of infection.

Get that? One in five sexually active adults has it, and a lot of people probably don’t know they have it. So, you know, avoid barebacking until you and your partner are both sure it’s under control.