Syphilis, Gonorrhea Cases on the Rise in Men: Survey

The Centers for Disease Control's  annual survey on STDs shows that the rate of sexually transmitted diseases has risen between 2011 and 2012, with a large number of infections due to gonorrhea and syphilis infections found in men.

The survey shows that young people, particularly gay or bi-sexual men, are allegedly responsible for the increase of 11 percent of sphysilis infections. Among men, the rate rose by 15 percent for those who have sex with men (MSM) and four percent for men who have sex with women (MSW).  And though the number of gonorrhea cases remained higher among women in 2012, the rate of increase was far higher among men at 8.3 percent, compared to women at 0.6 percent.

"This data demonstrates the continuing need to educate young people about the risks of sexually transmitted diseases and the best methods of prevention," wrote Planned Parenthood in a statement regarding the survey. "Scientific research demonstrates that condoms are an especially effective tool in preventing STD infection. Planned Parenthood works every day to provide young people with the information and resources they need to make healthy decisions and keep themselves safe."

As STDs cost the U.S. health care system approximately $17 billion to treat every year, statistics show that these health issues remain high among young Americans--typically between the ages of 15 and 24. As many Americans miss out on STD screenings, data also shows that 20 million new STD infections are reported every year, with many under 25 representing 70 percent of all chlamydia cases.

As many states are working on sexual education available in certain school districts, researchers hope that this could potentially decrease the number of STD's or STIs.

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