April is STD Awareness Month, an annual observance to raise awareness about the impact of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) on the health of Americans and the importance of individuals discussing sexual health with their healthcare providers and, if sexually active, their partners.
STDs are a major public health issue:
CDC estimates that there are approximately 19 million new cases of STDs each year in the United States, almost half of them among young people ages 15 to 24.
STDs have an economic impact: direct medical costs associated with STDs in the United States are estimated at $15.9 billion annually.
Vaccines offer protection against two common sexually transmitted viral infections: hepatitis B and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). CDC recommends their use for people at risk.
While serious health threats from STDs cross racial and ethnic lines, disparities persist at too high a level.
Higher rates of the most commonly reported STDs persist among African-Americans and Hispanics when compared to whites.
Most STDs have been associated with increased risk of HIV transmission.
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