Quick Answer

STDs are extremely common in the United States: approximately 2.4 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were reported in 2023 (CDC). Adding HPV, herpes, trichomoniasis, and HIV brings the total to well over 20 million new infections each year.

  • Chlamydia: ~1.6 million reported cases (CDC, 2023) — the most common reportable STI.
  • Gonorrhea: ~600,000 reported cases, declining slightly from 2022 peaks.
  • Syphilis: ~210,000 cases across all stages, rising sharply — congenital syphilis over 3,800 cases.
  • HPV: ~80 million Americans currently infected; 13 million new infections each year.

Context Most Pages Skip

The numbers are high because STIs are biologically efficient at spreading and often asymptomatic, meaning people transmit them without knowing. The CDC estimates that half of all sexually active people will get an STI by age 25.

Interpreting the numbers

Reported cases represent only a fraction of actual infections. Many people are never tested or are tested outside surveillance systems. The true burden is likely 2-3x higher than reported numbers.

⚕️ This page is educational and does not replace advice from a licensed clinician. If you may have been exposed to an STI, get tested — most infections are manageable, and many are fully curable.

Sources & Further Reading

Figures reflect CDC surveillance and WHO estimates; they are population statistics, not personal risk predictions.