Sexually Transmitted Diseases in the U.S. 2025
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) continue to pose a significant public health threat in the United States, with over 2.4 million new cases reported in 2023. The latest data from the CDC highlights both progress and persistent challenges in the fight against infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. While some infections—most notably gonorrhea and primary and secondary syphilis—showed encouraging declines, others, like congenital syphilis, surged to record highs, revealing deep-seated issues in healthcare delivery, especially for vulnerable populations. Young adults aged 15–24 years accounted for nearly half of all STD cases, emphasizing the urgent need for improved prevention, education, and screening efforts among youth.
Demographic disparities remain stark, with non-Hispanic Black Americans and American Indian/Alaska Native populations experiencing the highest infection rates relative to their population size. The rise in congenital syphilis, including 279 infant deaths, signals a preventable public health crisis exacerbated by gaps in prenatal care and maternal screening. Despite some regional improvements and expanded access to testing and treatment, the data shows that systemic inequities continue to drive infection rates in many communities. As the U.S. looks toward 2025, success in STD prevention will depend on sustained investment in health equity, targeted public health interventions, and stronger integration of sexual health into broader healthcare systems.
Key STD Facts in the U.S. 2023
| STD Fact | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Total Combined STD Cases | 2.4 million cases |
| Most Common STD | Chlamydia (1,648,568 cases) |
| Second Most Common STD | Gonorrhea (601,319 cases) |
| Fastest Growing STD | Syphilis (209,253 cases) |
| Congenital Syphilis Cases | 3,882 cases |
| Congenital Syphilis Deaths | 279 stillbirths/infant deaths |
| Young Adults Affected (15-24 years) | 48.2% of all cases |
| MSM P&S Syphilis Cases | 32.7% of all P&S syphilis |
| HIV Co-infection with P&S Syphilis | 37.2% among MSM |
These striking statistics reveal the persistent challenge that sexually transmitted diseases pose to American public health. The data demonstrates that despite decades of prevention efforts, STD rates remain alarmingly high, with over 2.4 million new cases diagnosed in 2023 alone. The concentration of cases among young adults aged 15-24 years, representing nearly half of all reported infections, underscores the critical importance of targeted prevention programs for this demographic.
The racial and ethnic disparities are particularly concerning, with 32.4% of all cases occurring among non-Hispanic Black or African American individuals, despite comprising only 12.6% of the U.S. population. This disparity highlights systemic issues in healthcare access and quality, as well as the need for culturally competent prevention strategies. The emergence of congenital syphilis as a growing crisis, with 3,882 cases including 279 deaths, represents a preventable tragedy that demands immediate attention from healthcare systems nationwide.
Syphilis Statistics in the U.S. 2023
| Syphilis Category | 2023 Cases | Change from 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Syphilis Cases | 209,253 | +1.0% |
| Primary & Secondary Syphilis | 53,007 | -10.2% |
| Early Non-Primary Non-Secondary | 53,573 | -5.9% |
| Unknown Duration/Late Syphilis | 98,791 | +12.8% |
| Congenital Syphilis | 3,882 | +3.0% |
| Congenital Syphilis Rate | 105.8 per 100,000 births | +3.0% |
The syphilis epidemic in the United States reached a critical milestone in 2023, with 209,253 total cases representing the highest number reported since 1950. This alarming figure reflects a 1.0% increase from the previous year, demonstrating the persistent challenge this ancient disease poses to modern public health efforts. The breakdown by stage reveals a complex epidemiological picture, with primary and secondary syphilis cases showing a promising 10.2% decrease, marking the first substantial decline since 2001.
However, the 12.8% increase in unknown duration or late syphilis cases presents a concerning countertrend, suggesting delays in diagnosis and treatment that may partly stem from healthcare disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The congenital syphilis crisis continues to worsen, with 3,882 cases including 279 preventable deaths, representing a 3.0% increase from 2022. This rate of 105.8 cases per 100,000 live births reflects a public health emergency that disproportionately affects communities with limited healthcare access, demanding immediate intervention and resource allocation.
Gonorrhea Statistics in the U.S. 2023
| Gonorrhea Category | 2023 Data | Change from 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Gonorrhea Cases | 601,319 | -7.2% |
| Gonorrhea Rate | 179.9 per 100,000 | -7.7% |
| Cases Among Women | 285,000 (est.) | -14.1% |
| Cases Among Men | 316,000 (est.) | Lower decrease |
| MSM Cases (SSuN data) | ~50% of cases | Varies by jurisdiction |
| Ranking Among STDs | 2nd most common | Stable |
Gonorrhea surveillance in 2023 revealed encouraging trends, with 601,319 total cases representing a 7.2% decrease from 2022. This decline marks a significant shift from the increasing trajectory observed from 2009 through 2021, suggesting that prevention efforts may be gaining traction. The gonorrhea rate of 179.9 cases per 100,000 population reflects a 7.7% decrease, with particularly notable improvements among women, who experienced a 14.1% reduction in cases.
The substantial decrease among women, especially those aged 20-29 years, may reflect improved screening practices and more effective prevention messaging targeting this demographic. Enhanced surveillance data from the STI Surveillance Network (SSuN) indicates that approximately 50% of gonorrhea cases occur among men who have sex with men, though this proportion varies significantly across different jurisdictions. The overall decline in gonorrhea cases provides hope that comprehensive prevention strategies, including improved access to testing and treatment, may be yielding positive results in controlling this highly transmissible infection.
Chlamydia Statistics in the U.S. 2023
| Chlamydia Category | 2023 Data | Change from 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Chlamydia Cases | 1,648,568 | <1.0% |
| Chlamydia Rate | 492.2 per 100,000 | Stable |
| Cases Among Men | ~550,000 (est.) | +1.3% |
| Cases Among Women | ~1,100,000 (est.) | -1.7% |
| Young Adults (15-24) | 55.8% of cases | Consistent |
| Ranking Among STDs | Most common | Stable |
Chlamydia infections maintained their position as the most frequently reported sexually transmitted disease in the United States during 2023, with 1,648,568 cases diagnosed and reported. The chlamydia rate of 492.2 cases per 100,000 population remained relatively stable compared to 2022, showing less than 1.0% change overall. This stability masks important gender-specific trends, with cases among men increasing by 1.3% while cases among women decreased by 1.7%.
The persistent concentration of chlamydia cases among young adults aged 15-24 years, representing 55.8% of all reported cases, highlights the ongoing vulnerability of this demographic to sexually transmitted infections. The asymptomatic nature of most chlamydial infections means that case rates are heavily influenced by screening coverage rather than just disease incidence. The current rates remain below pre-pandemic levels from 2019, suggesting that reduced screening during COVID-19 healthcare disruptions may continue to impact case detection and reporting systems nationwide.
STD Demographic Disparities in the U.S. 2023
| Demographic Category | Percentage of Cases | Population Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Young Adults (15-24 years) | 48.2% | ~13% |
| Non-Hispanic Black Americans | 32.4% | 12.6% |
| MSM with P&S Syphilis | 32.7% | ~2-3% |
| MSM with HIV Co-infection | 37.2% | Subset of MSM |
| American Indian/Alaska Native | Highest P&S syphilis rates | 1.3% |
| Reproductive Age Women (15-44) | 6.8% increase | ~25% |
The demographic disparities in STD distribution across the United States reveal profound inequities that extend far beyond individual behavioral choices. Young adults aged 15-24 years bear a disproportionate burden, accounting for 48.2% of all reported cases despite representing only about 13% of the population. This concentration reflects multiple factors including biological vulnerability, social networks, and differential access to comprehensive sexual health education and services.
Racial and ethnic disparities remain starkly evident, with non-Hispanic Black or African American individuals comprising 32.4% of all chlamydia, gonorrhea, and primary and secondary syphilis cases while representing just 12.6% of the U.S. population. These disparities reflect systemic inequities in healthcare access, quality of care, and social determinants of health rather than differences in individual risk behaviors. The 37.2% HIV co-infection rate among MSM with primary and secondary syphilis underscores the complex interplay between different sexually transmitted infections and the need for comprehensive prevention approaches that address multiple diseases simultaneously.
Congenital Syphilis Crisis in the U.S. 2023
| Congenital Syphilis Metric | 2023 Data | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Total Congenital Syphilis Cases | 3,882 | +3.0% |
| Stillbirths and Infant Deaths | 279 | Increasing |
| Rate per 100,000 Live Births | 105.8 | +3.0% |
| States Reporting Cases | 48 states + DC | Nearly universal |
| Syphilis in Women 15-44 | 6.8% increase | Rising |
| States with Increased Rates | 39 states + DC | Widespread |
The congenital syphilis epidemic represents one of the most urgent and preventable public health crises facing the United States today. With 3,882 cases reported in 2023, including 279 stillbirths and infant deaths, this entirely preventable condition has reached levels not seen since the early 1990s. The rate of 105.8 cases per 100,000 live births reflects a 3.0% increase from 2022, demonstrating the persistent failure of healthcare systems to adequately screen and treat pregnant women.
The geographic spread of congenital syphilis has become virtually universal, with 48 states and the District of Columbia reporting at least one case in 2023. This widespread distribution reflects the broader syphilis epidemic among reproductive-aged women, with 39 states and DC experiencing increased rates of syphilis among women aged 15-44 years. The 6.8% increase in syphilis cases among women of reproductive age directly correlates with rising congenital syphilis rates, emphasizing the critical need for enhanced prenatal screening, treatment protocols, and comprehensive reproductive health services to protect both mothers and their newborns.
Regional STD Trends in the U.S. 2023
| Regional Trend | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Primary & Secondary Syphilis | Decreased in 41 states + DC | Widespread improvement |
| Gonorrhea Rates | Decreased in 40 states | National decline |
| Congenital Syphilis | Increased in 30 states | Concerning spread |
| Syphilis in Women 15-44 | Increased in 39 states + DC | Driving congenital cases |
| American Indian/Alaska Native | Highest P&S syphilis rates | Severe disparity |
| Rural vs Urban | Varying patterns | Geographic complexity |
Regional variations in STD trends across the United States reveal a complex patchwork of progress and persistent challenges. The encouraging news that primary and secondary syphilis rates decreased in 41 states and the District of Columbia suggests that targeted prevention efforts may be gaining traction in most jurisdictions. Similarly, gonorrhea rates declined in 40 states, indicating that the nationwide decrease in gonorrhea cases reflects broad-based improvements rather than isolated successes.
However, the congenital syphilis crisis continues to spread geographically, with 30 states experiencing increased rates in 2023. This concerning trend directly correlates with rising syphilis rates among reproductive-aged women, which increased in 39 states and the District of Columbia. The highest rates of primary and secondary syphilis among American Indian and Alaska Native populations highlight the persistent health disparities affecting indigenous communities, reflecting inadequate healthcare infrastructure and limited access to prevention services in many tribal areas and rural communities.
Prevention and Control Efforts in the U.S. 2025
| Prevention Strategy | Current Status | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Routine STD Screening | Expanding coverage | Moderate success |
| Prenatal Syphilis Testing | Universal recommendation | Implementation gaps |
| PrEP Programs | Growing access | HIV prevention benefit |
| Contact Tracing | Resource-limited | Variable effectiveness |
| Health Education | Ongoing initiatives | Long-term impact |
| Treatment Guidelines | Regularly updated | Evidence-based |
The prevention and control landscape for sexually transmitted diseases in the United States has evolved significantly, with multiple evidence-based strategies showing promise in reducing transmission rates. Routine STD screening has expanded across healthcare settings, contributing to earlier detection and treatment of infections. However, the persistence of high infection rates indicates that current prevention efforts, while valuable, remain insufficient to fully address the scope of the epidemic.
Prenatal syphilis testing represents a critical intervention point, with universal screening recommendations in place to prevent congenital syphilis. The continued rise in congenital cases despite these guidelines highlights significant implementation gaps in healthcare systems, particularly in areas with limited resources or high-risk populations. The integration of STD prevention with HIV prevention efforts, including PrEP programs, has shown promise in reducing overall sexual health risks among high-risk populations, though access remains uneven across different communities and geographic regions.
Looking Forward: STD Prevention in the U.S. 2025
The STD surveillance data for 2023 presents a mixed picture of progress and persistent challenges that will shape public health priorities moving into 2025. While the overall 1.8% decrease in combined STD cases offers hope, the continued high burden of disease – with over 2.4 million new cases – demonstrates that comprehensive prevention strategies remain essential. The encouraging trends in gonorrhea and primary and secondary syphilis rates suggest that targeted interventions can yield positive results when properly implemented and sustained.
Moving forward, addressing the congenital syphilis crisis must remain a top priority, requiring enhanced prenatal care systems, improved provider training, and expanded access to reproductive health services. The persistent demographic disparities in STD rates demand culturally competent prevention programs that address underlying social determinants of health rather than focusing solely on individual risk behaviors. Success in reducing STD transmission will require sustained investment in comprehensive sexual health education, accessible testing and treatment services, and addressing the systemic inequities that perpetuate these preventable infections across American communities.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
