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CDC: STD rates in young Americans on the rise

Category: Sexually Transmitted Diseases

After several years of improvements in the sexual health of young Americans, the positive trends have flattened or even reversed recently, according to new analysis of the data by the Center for Disease Control.

Gathering and analyzing previously available data from a number of national health statistics sources on the sexual health of Americans 10-24 years old, the CDC found that the rates of STDs had gone up for many populations within that group.

AIDS cases among 15-24 year old males had gone up from 1997 to 2006, and for males aged 15-19 the number has almost doubled, according to the data.

Less severe diseases have also become more common as well. Syphilis cases among teens and young adults have increased in both males and females in recent years.

STD testing and prevention are recommended for those at high risk or beginning a new sexual relationship.

"It is imperative that all of us at the national and community level work together to ensure STD and HIV prevention programs are reaching young people, particularly in communities with the greatest burden of disease," said Dr Kevin Fenton, director of CDC's National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention.