Sexually transmitted infections remain a major public health concern in the United States. With more than 2.2 million cases reported in 2024, STIs continue to affect large numbers of people across the country. If you’re sexually active, chances are you or someone you know has been hit by an STI at some point.
There is, however, some encouraging news. After years of rising rates, reported overall STI cases have declined slightly. Chlamydia cases fell by 8% and gonorrhea cases by 10% in the one-year change between 2023 and 2024. While these declines are modest, they are a welcome change after years of increases.
But the picture is more complicated than these overall numbers suggest.
When we look more closely at the data, we see that STI trends differ between men and women. Over the past five years of available data, gonorrhea rates declined by 33% among women, compared with a 13% decline among men. Chlamydia trends tell a different story: rates decreased by 10% among women but increased 1% among men.
So, what can we do to uniformly address STIs across all populations?
For starters, STI testing should be easy to access, especially in communities with high rates of infection. Free or low-cost testing and treatment can help remove financial barriers.
In addition, clear and approachable educational materials can help people better understand their risks and the importance of regular screening.
We also need to make prevention and treatment services convenient and accessible, so people can seek care without unnecessary obstacles or stigma.
Preventative public health work must continue in order to make a significant impact in the STI epidemic. Some infections remain stubbornly difficult to control, and syphilis is a particularly concerning example. Rates of congenital syphilis, which occurs when syphilis is passed from parent to fetus, are constantly on the rise. There is much work to do to reduce and stabilize STI rates across all infections and all populations.
Progress is possible, but it will take sustained effort.
If we want to see lasting reductions in STIs, we must continue to prioritize prevention, expand access to testing and treatment, and direct resources where they are needed most. Making that a reality should remain a public health priority.
Lauren Natoli is the Director of Advocacy and Policy Research in the Public Health Division of AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
