In an effort to improve the quality of health care and quality of life for all Americans, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a part of the Department of Health and Human Services, has changed the gold standard for chlamydia screening. Each year an estimated 3 million cases of chlamydia are diagnosed in the United States. This makes it the most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease in the United States. If not treated quickly, the disease can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and other serious health problems. The disease is most common in women 25 and under but can also affect older women who have new or multiple sexual partners, have had a sexually transmitted disease in the past or do not use condoms consistently and correctly.
Researchers believe routine screening can significantly reduce the number of cases and consequences.
A survey of 546 doctors found only 32 percent are likely to screen an asymptomatic woman as part of a regular exam. Only 2 percent to 42 percent of sexually active females between the ages of 15 and 25 have ever been screened for chlamydia. Treatment with antibiotics can often cure the condition if addressed quickly. In addition the recommendation for chlamydia screening, the group has also outlined new recommendations regarding cholesterol checks. Previously only those 65 and under were recommended for screening.