How common are Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?
The United States has an epidemic of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Over 70 million Americans currently have an STI.[1] 19 million new cases occur each year. Half of these are in people under 25. Each year, 15.3 million new STD infections occur, including over 4 million infections in teens. The two most common STDs, herpes and human papilloma virus (HPV), account for 65 of the 68 million current infections. It is estimated that 20 percent of all Americans age 12 and older are infected with genital herpes. 1 in 4 Americans presently have an STD and nearly 80% of people that are infected with an STD do not know it. You can have an STD and have no symptoms for months…or even years…but, STD’s are contagious even if no symptoms are present. Women are often more at risk for STDs because their bodies don't always display symptoms and damage can result. Infections can cause severe damage to delicate reproductive organs, resulting in infertility. If you are involved sexually, you need to know these facts. Source: The Medical Institute for Sexual Health (MI), We encourage you to visit the “Sexual Health” section of their website located at medinstitute.org to learn more about STIs and other issues related to sexual health. You will find fact sheets for all the major STIs as well as data and research covering a range of topics.