STI FACT SHEET

www.cdc.gov/std

Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis cases have been 

increasing for years.

2000 2022

2.5 million new cases 

in 2022*

People most affected by STIs 

include:

Adolescents and people aged 

15-24 years

Gay, bisexual, and other men 

who have sex with men

Pregnant people

People from some racial and 

ethnic minority groups 

1 M

Syphilis 555%

Chlamydia 133%

Gonorrhea 78%

0

Cases

3 M

Reversing the Rise in STIs: Integrating Services to Address 

the Syndemic of STIs, HIV, Substance Use, and Viral Hepatitis

Reported cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have increased dramatically in recent years. HIV, substance 

use, and viral hepatitis affect similar populations as STIs and each of these health concerns directly affects the 

others. A holistic, whole-of-society approach, including addressing social and economic barriers, is required to 

improve this syndemic and America’s health.

6%

of sexually acquired HIV 

infections are attributed to 

chlamydia, gonorrhea, and 

syphilis.

New HIV infections attributed to STIs are costly.

$800 MILLION

= $100 Million

STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis increase the chance of getting HIV. 

STIs also increase the chance of transmitting HIV to others.

In 2018, the lifetime medical costs for 1,896 new HIV infections 

attributed to chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis totaled:

STIs & HIV

STI Overview

*Note: 2021 and 2022 data reflect the effect of COVID-19 on STD surveillance trends.
Holistic, Coordinated Care Is Critical for Addressing These Overlapping 

Epidemics 

Use of opioids and other substances 

has been linked to increasing STIs and 

outbreaks of infectious diseases.

Promoting prevention and care in related systems, including housing, education, and the justice system.

Providing patients with resources, including housing, food, transportation, and employment. 

Integrating existing programs, such as syringe services, substance use disorder treatment programs, and 

HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis programs in STD clinics.

Identifying “outside-the-box” opportunities for collaboration and integration. New solutions could include 

developing partnerships with pharmacies and retail health clinics or modernizing and streamlining data 

systems.

A “no-wrong-door” approach – providing or connecting a person to all the services that meet 

their needs wherever they seek care – is crucial.

The first step in implementing this approach is increasing access to quality healthcare settings. STD clinics are 

important spaces for people who are uninsured, need flexible appointments, need low- or no-cost services, or are 

looking for expert and confidential services.

We must reduce the effect of social and economic conditions that can influence health outcomes - called social 

determinants of health - which have been documented as key contributors to negative health outcomes, including 

STI transmission. Strategies to reduce these conditions can include: 

STIs & Viral Hepatitis

STIs & Substance Use

Hepatitis B is preventable 

with a vaccination series 

that can be started and 

completed during STI 

care visits. 

GET THE FACTS ON STIs • www.cdc.gov/std

acute hepatitis B cases in the 

United States are estimated to 4 in 10 result from sexual transmission.

*Note: Illicit drug includes cocaine, hallucinogens, heroin, inhalants, methamphetamine, and pain relievers, sedatives, stimulants, and tranquilizers not 

prescribed by a doctor.

Young adults 

who used an 

illicit drug* in the 

past year were 3 

times more likely 3x to get an STI.

More Likely