Quick Answer
The most common STIs in the U.S. by annual new infections: HPV (~13 million), trichomoniasis (~2 million), chlamydia (~1.6 million reported), herpes (~500,000-720,000), gonorrhea (~600,000 reported), HIV (~31,800 estimated), and syphilis (~210,000). HPV is by far the most common, infecting nearly all sexually active people at some point.
- HPV: so common that the CDC says 'nearly all sexually active men and women get it at some point.'
- Herpes: ~1 in 6 adults has HSV-2; ~50%-80% of adults have HSV-1 (oral herpes).
- Chlamydia: highest rates in women aged 15-24.
- HIV: ~1.2 million Americans living with HIV; ~31,800 new infections per year.
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The ranking surprises people because prevalence does not match perceived severity. The most common STIs (HPV, herpes) are the ones people worry about least, while the rarer ones (HIV, syphilis) attract most anxiety.
What common means
If you are sexually active, you have statistically encountered HPV. You have a ~1 in 6 chance of having HSV-2. These are normal, not exceptional. The goal is not to avoid them entirely but to manage them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top 10 sexually transmitted diseases?
The most common STIs in the U.S. by annual new infections: HPV (~13 million), trichomoniasis (~2 million), chlamydia (~1.6 million reported), herpes (~500,000-720,000), gonorrhea (~600,000 reported), HIV (~31,800 estimated), and syphilis (~210,000). HPV is by far the most common, infecting nearly all sexually active people at some point.
What is the most common std?
The most common STIs in the U.S. by annual new infections: HPV (~13 million), trichomoniasis (~2 million), chlamydia (~1.6 million reported), herpes (~500,000-720,000), gonorrhea (~600,000 reported), HIV (~31,800 estimated), and syphilis (~210,000). HPV is by far the most common, infecting nearly all sexually active people at some point.
What is the most common sti?
The most common STIs in the U.S. by annual new infections: HPV (~13 million), trichomoniasis (~2 million), chlamydia (~1.6 million reported), herpes (~500,000-720,000), gonorrhea (~600,000 reported), HIV (~31,800 estimated), and syphilis (~210,000). HPV is by far the most common, infecting nearly all sexually active people at some point.
What is the most common sexually transmitted infection?
The most common STIs in the U.S. by annual new infections: HPV (~13 million), trichomoniasis (~2 million), chlamydia (~1.6 million reported), herpes (~500,000-720,000), gonorrhea (~600,000 reported), HIV (~31,800 estimated), and syphilis (~210,000). HPV is by far the most common, infecting nearly all sexually active people at some point.
What is the most common sti in the us?
The most common STIs in the U.S. by annual new infections: HPV (~13 million), trichomoniasis (~2 million), chlamydia (~1.6 million reported), herpes (~500,000-720,000), gonorrhea (~600,000 reported), HIV (~31,800 estimated), and syphilis (~210,000). HPV is by far the most common, infecting nearly all sexually active people at some point.
What are the most common stds?
The most common STIs in the U.S. by annual new infections: HPV (~13 million), trichomoniasis (~2 million), chlamydia (~1.6 million reported), herpes (~500,000-720,000), gonorrhea (~600,000 reported), HIV (~31,800 estimated), and syphilis (~210,000). HPV is by far the most common, infecting nearly all sexually active people at some point.
Related Questions
Sources & Further Reading
- CDC — Sexually Transmitted Infections
- CDC STI Treatment Guidelines
- WHO — Sexually transmitted infections fact sheet
- MedlinePlus — Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Figures reflect CDC surveillance and WHO estimates; they are population statistics, not personal risk predictions.