STI Rates 2023: CDC Data & Trends
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that while sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain prevalent in the United States, with over 2.4 million cases reported in...
- According to the CDC, gonorrhea cases experienced a 7% drop from 2022, dipping below pre-COVID-19 pandemic figures.
- Increases in congenital syphilis, which affects newborns, also appear to be moderating in some regions.
In 2023,over 2.4 million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were reported in the U.S., but new data reveals a potential slowdown in the epidemic. the CDC‘s latest report shows that gonorrhea cases declined 7%, and primary and secondary syphilis cases decreased by 10%—the first substantial drop in two decades. While these trends offer a glimmer of hope, notable inequities persist across different populations and geographic areas.Discover how the CDC is tackling these disparities, including the latest prevention methods for gonorrhea and chlamydia, and the ongoing work to address congenital syphilis. News Directory 3 will keep you updated on these vital health issues; stay tuned for what’s next in STI prevention and treatment.
STI Rates Show Signs of Slowing, but Inequities Persist
Updated May 29, 2025
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that while sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain prevalent in the United States, with over 2.4 million cases reported in 2023, recent data suggests a potential slowdown in the epidemic. This offers a glimmer of hope in the ongoing battle against syphilis and other STIs.
According to the CDC, gonorrhea cases experienced a 7% drop from 2022, dipping below pre-COVID-19 pandemic figures. Syphilis cases overall saw a modest 1% increase,a significant shift from prior years’ double-digit surges. Notably, primary and secondary syphilis cases, the most infectious stages, decreased by 10%—the first substantial decline in over 20 years. This decrease was also seen among gay and bisexual men,dropping 13% for the first time since the CDC began tracking trends in this population.
Increases in congenital syphilis, which affects newborns, also appear to be moderating in some regions. Nationally, there was a 3% increase over 2022, compared to the 30% annual increases seen in previous years. These shifts suggest that current gonorrhea and chlamydia prevention efforts may be gaining traction.
“I see a glimmer of hope amidst millions of STIs,” said Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of CDC’s National center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention. “After nearly two decades of STI increases, the tide is turning. We must make the most of this moment—let’s further this momentum with creative innovation and further investment in STI prevention.”
Despite these positive trends, significant inequities persist. Certain geographic areas and populations, including American Indian/Alaska Native, Black/African American, and Hispanic/Latino communities, as well as gay and bisexual men, continue to be disproportionately affected. These disparities are often linked to systemic issues such as poverty, lack of health insurance, limited access to healthcare, and stigma, which create barriers to quality health services.
Recent advancements in STI prevention, such as CDC guidelines for doxy PEP (doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis) to prevent bacterial STIs, FDA-authorized self-tests for syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, and the national Syphilis and Congenital syphilis Syndemic Task Force, represent important steps forward.
What’s next
Continued efforts are crucial to sustain and expand upon these gains. Priorities include increasing awareness of STI risks, developing new prevention and treatment solutions, investing in public health infrastructure and workforce, and improving access to STI services in diverse settings.