Wrap It Up! There's Still an "Ongoing Epidemic" of STDs in the U.S.

20 million new cases a year

Just in time for Valentine's Day, the CDC has released new studies of sexually transmitted infections. Researchers found there are nearly 20 million new STIs a year in the U.S., and that the "ongoing, severe epidemic" is costing almost $16 billion in medical costs. Young people are the most affected with half of all new infections occurring in people ages 15 through 24, and the majority of the new cases, at 14 million, are HPV diagnoses. Though about 90 percent of HPV infections disappear within two years, others can lead to cervical cancer, And though HIV infects a much smaller 41,000 people each year, it is by far the costliest due to its requirement of lifelong treatment and care. Additionally, chlamydia is the most common curable STI and therefore, costly as well. Nationwide, there are more than 110 million STIs. (CNN)

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