STDs At An All-Time High, CDC Reports

Sexually Transmitted Diseases are on the rise in the United States, with the total combined cases of Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis at its highest numbers ever.

The data, which was reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, noted that in 2015, over 1.5 million cases of Chlamydia has been reported, as well as 400,000 cases of gonorrhea, and 24,000 cases of primary and secondary syphilis. Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of the of the CDC's National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention stated that STD rates have been rising, and many of the country's systems for preventing such diseases have eroded.

Research also showed that from 2014 to 2015, these diseases have spiked -- a rise of 19 percent was observed for syphilis, 13 percent for gonorrhea, and nearly 6 percent for Chlamydia. CBS News noted that these diseases, which are usually curable with antibiotics, are becoming growing concerns, especially in the light of a drug-resistant strain of gonorrhea.

But who are most at risk with the rise of STDs? The New York Times reported that young people, including members of racial minorities and men having sex with fellow men, are the most at risk of STDs. Records showed that Chlamydia rates are the highest among 15 to 24-year-olds. The same age group also accounted for nearly two-thirds of last year's diagnoses among blacks. While it disproportionately affects women as well, the rate of cases reported among men grew sharply, with an overall increase rate of 5.9 percent.

Meanwhile, most new gonorrhea and syphilis cases are among gay men - although cases for women have also been climbing. The reason for the massive increase in numbers was also mentioned, ranging from budget cuts to possibly, the Tinder effect. While the economic downturn has seen the rise of STDs, Dr. Mermin noted that the rise of dating apps such as Tinder could also contribute to the growing problem among youth.