STIs: Understanding and Preventing Sexually Transmitted Infections

Introduction to STIs

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are a serious public health issue, affecting millions of people worldwide. According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2023 recorded over 2.4 million STI cases in the U.S., including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, with 3,882 cases of congenital syphilis, resulting in 279 infant deaths [1]. The World Health Organization (WHO) also reported that in 2020, approximately 374 million new infections of STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis occurred globally [2]. These numbers emphasize the importance of raising awareness and implementing preventive measures to protect individual and community health.

Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Here is a summary of the most common STIs based on the latest data:

• Syphilis: Increased by 1% from 2022, with the highest rate of congenital syphilis since 1992 (105.8 per 100,000 live births). [1]
• Chlamydia: The most common bacterial STI, with 55.8% of cases in the 15-24 age group. [1]
• Gonorrhea: Decreased by 7.2% from 2022, but remains a concern due to antibiotic resistance. [5]
• Trichomoniasis: Not nationally reported in the U.S., but global estimates show high prevalence, often without symptoms. [2]
• Genital Herpes: Affects 846 million people globally, often recurrent and impacts quality of life. [3]

The 15-24 age group accounts for 48.2% of infections, and African Americans are disproportionately affected (32.4% of cases despite making up only 12.6% of the population), reflecting systemic barriers to healthcare access. [1]

Long-Term Consequences and Effects

STIs not only cause immediate symptoms but also lead to serious long-term consequences if left untreated:

• Infertility and Reproductive Damage: Chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), with 50% of untreated chlamydia cases leading to PID, which can cause scarring of the fallopian tubes, infertility, or ectopic pregnancy.
• Fetal Damage: Congenital syphilis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, or birth defects. In 2023, 279 infants died from congenital syphilis in the U.S. [1]
• Increased HIV Risk: STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis increase the risk of HIV infection due to mucosal damage and inflammation (NCBI, 2021).
• Cancer Links: The HPV virus, often linked to genital herpes, is the main cause of cervical cancer, with 1.2 million cancer cases related to STIs annually. [4]
• Psychological and Social Impact: Stigma related to STIs can cause anxiety, depression, and delay in seeking treatment. The cost of treatment and consequences like infertility is estimated to be up to $16 billion annually in the U.S. [1].

Causes of Unsafe Sexual Behavior

Unsafe sexual behavior, such as not using condoms or having multiple partners, is the main cause of STI spread. Some common reasons include:

• Lack of Knowledge: Many people are not fully aware of the risks of STIs or how to prevent them.
• Social Pressure: Culture or peer pressure can encourage risky behavior, especially in young people.
• Psychological Factors: The use of alcohol, drugs, or pressure in a relationship can impair the ability to make safe decisions.

Understanding these reasons helps us be more empathetic towards those engaging in risky behavior. Instead of judging, we need to provide information and support to encourage safer choices.

Prevention Measures

To reduce the risk of STI infection, people can take the following steps:

• Condom Use: Correct and consistent use significantly reduces the risk of infection (CDC, 2025).
• Vaccination: Vaccines for HPV and Hepatitis B have been rolled out in 140 countries, helping prevent cervical cancer and related diseases [2].
• Regular Testing: The CDC recommends annual testing for high-risk individuals, such as young people or those with multiple partners (CDC, 2025).
• Timely Treatment: STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis can be cured with antibiotics if detected early. Notifying partners also helps prevent spread.
• Reducing Stigma: Campaigns like STI Awareness Week help reduce fear and encourage people to seek medical support (HIV.gov, 2024).

Call to Action

Everyone has a responsibility to protect their sexual health by practicing safe sex, getting regular check-ups, and seeking timely treatment if necessary. At the same time, the community needs to support this by reducing stigma and strengthening STI education. An open, non-judgmental environment will encourage everyone to proactively care for their health, thereby protecting the entire community.

Conclusion

STIs are a major public health challenge, with high infection rates and serious consequences such as infertility, fetal damage, and increased HIV risk. However, with correct awareness, education, and prevention measures, we can mitigate their impact. Let’s work together to build a healthier future where everyone is equipped with the knowledge and support to protect their health.

This article is written by Dr Đỗ Hữu Đạt. The doctor has many years of in-depth experience in reproductive and sexual health care.

Reference

[1]. CDC. (2024). Sexually Transmitted Infections Surveillance, 2023. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/sti-statistics/annual/summary.html

[2]. WHO. (2025). Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-%28stis%29

[3]. Harfouche, M., AlMukdad, S., Alareeki, A., Osman, A. M. M., Gottlieb, S., Rowley, J., & Abu-Raddad, L. J. (2025). Estimated global and regional incidence and prevalence of herpes simplex virus infections and genital ulcer disease in 2020: mathematical modelling analyses. Sex Transm Infect, 101(4), 214-223. doi: 10.1136/sextrans-2024-056307

[4]. Bray, F., Ferlay, J., Soerjomataram, I., Siegel, R. L., Torre, L. A., & Jemal, A. (2018). Global cancer statistics 2018: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. CA Cancer J Clin, 68(6), 394-424. doi: 10.3322/caac.21492

[5]. Unemo, M., Lahra, M. M., Escher, M., Eremin, S., Cole, M. J., Galarza, P., Ndowa, F., Martin, I., Dillon, J. R., Galas, M., Ramon-Pardo, P., Weinstock, H., & Wi, T. (2022). WHO global antimicrobial resistance surveillance (GASP/GLASS) for Neisseria gonorrhoeae 2017-2018: a retrospective observational study. Lancet Infect Dis, 22(10), 1473-1484. doi: 10.1016/S1473-3099(22)00415-7