The latest CDC data, published in January 2024, shows that more than 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were reported in the U.S. in 2022, a number that's risen 1.9% over the course of the last five years. Specifically, the CDC cites that "the most alarming concerns center around the syphilis and congenital syphilis epidemics," noting the need for more public health efforts.
When it comes to respecting your body and that of your partner, one of the most important acts of care you can offer, aside from practicing safe sex, is talking frankly about STIs. Sexually transmitted infections have long been deeply stigmatized, but understanding their risks is crucial for sexual wellness. Additionally, as medical research surrounding common STIs continues to progress, it's equally important for people to know their healthcare options. In June 2024, the CDC released new guidance surrounding the usage of antibiotics after sex, a practice that has been associated with significantly lower risks of bacterial STIs. Even more serious sexually transmitted diseases are no longer the guaranteed death sentence they once were—as of July 2024, seven people worldwide have achieved long-term viral remission from HIV.
To better understand the landscape of STI prevalence across the U.S., Stacker investigated which states have the highest incidence of STIs using 2021 data from the CDC. States are ranked by overall STI cases per 100,000. The total number of cases breaks ties. Maryland is excluded from the list because it did not report STI data to the CDC.
An infection is considered an STI if it can be passed from person to person through sexual intercourse, including anal, oral, vaginal, and occasionally hand-to-genital contact. Some common symptoms of STIs include pain during urination, unusual genital discharge, lumps or growths near the genitals, bleeding, and itching. This list is not exhaustive; most people who contract STIs are asymptomatic.
Regular testing at your local health clinic, even when you don't have symptoms, is the best way to keep yourself safe from current and future STIs. While STIs can be scary, they can be prevented by engaging in safe sex practices, such as the use of condoms, internal condoms, and dental dams. Many STIs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, are treatable with medication when caught early. Routine testing and honest dialogue with partners makes that possible.
Read on to see how incidence of STIs in your state compare to other states around the nation.
