One of the factors linked to the rise in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) today in the US is dating apps. Another factor is the rise in substance use which is tied to risky sexual behavior.
The NY Times reported in 2024 that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said, “Syphilis, once nearly eliminated in the United States, continues to re-surge, reaching the highest rate of new infections recorded since 1950.” More than 207,000 cases were diagnosed in 2022, the last year for which data were available. That’s an 80% increase since 2018. If not treated, syphilis can damage the heart and brain, lead to blindness, deafness, and paralysis.
“The rates soared in every age group, including newborns. . . . the CDC said more than 3,700 cases of congenital syphilis were reported in 2022.” In a pregnant woman syphilis can cause miscarriage or stillbirth. An infant that survives is at risk to be blind or deaf.
Chlamydia is a more common sexually transmitted infection than syphilis. Unfortunately, chlamydia and gonorrhea are often asymptomatic so people may not know they are infected and may not get tested or treated.
