Number of cases of STDs in the U.S. in 2021, by disease and gender

In 2021, there were an estimated 1.05 million cases of chlamydia among females in the United States and around 587,473 cases among males. Furthermore, that year, there were around 410,388 cases of gonorrhea among males and 298,015 cases among females. Despite the dangers of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) being more commonplace and testing and contraception, for the most part, widely accessible in the United States, rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, have all risen in recent years.

Chlamydia in the United States

According to the CDC, chlamydia is the most commonly reported bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. In 2022, there were around 495 cases of chlamydia per 100,000 population, a substantial increase from a rate of 289 per 100,000 population in the year 2002. Those aged 20 to 24 had the highest rates of chlamydia in the U.S. in 2022. Although chlamydia often has no symptoms it can cause serious health problems if left untreated, one of the reasons those who are sexually active should be regularly tested for STDs. Once diagnosed, chlamydia can be easily cured with antibiotics.

Gonorrhea

Rates of gonorrhea in the United States decreased after reaching a peak in the 1980s but began to rise again over the past decade. In 2022, there were 194 cases of gonorrhea per 100,000 population in the United States, compared to 98 cases per 100,000 population in the year 2009. While rates of chlamydia in the U.S. tend to be higher among women than men, rates of gonorrhea are higher among men, with those aged 20 to 24 the most affected. Like chlamydia, gonorrhea can be cured with medicine but can cause serious and permanent health problems if left untreated.