Sexually transmitted infections (previously called sexually transmitted diseases) are a major public health concern around the world. Below are some statistics on STIs:
Of sexually active people, 75% will have an STI at some point in their life.
The majority of STIs affect people in the 18-25 year old age group. 2/3 of all STIs occur in people younger than 25.
The most common STI in the U.S. is Chlamydia. About 2.8 million cases occur annually in the U.S.
Every year, approximately 15 million new cases of STIs occur.
The presence of an untreated STI can increase the risk of contracting and transmitting HIV up to 10 times. Less than half of people aged 18-44 have ever been tested for an STI other than HIV.
It is estimated that in the U.S., 24-27% of people living with HIV/AIDS are undiagnosed and unaware of their HIV infection.
At the end of 2003, an estimated 1,039,000 – 1,185,000 persons in the U.S. were living with HIV/AIDS.
In the U.S. population under the age of 25, the ethnic group that has the highest rate of new HIV infections is African Americans.
Using a latex condom to prevent the transmission of HIV is more than 10,000 times safer than not using a condom.
Between now and 2020, 68 million people are expected to die as a result of AIDS.
For more information go to the following websites:
http://www.unaids.org/
http://www.thebody.com/
http://www.aids.org
http://www.stopglobalaids.org/
http://www.fightglobalaids.org/
http://www.plannedparenthood.org
