HEALTH: CDC sending out an SOS over soaring rates of STDs

Every year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) releases an annual report of a national overview of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

The report for 2015 was not encouraging at all. In fact, it was quite discouraging as such STDs as chlamydia and gonorrhea were at an all-time high, including higher rates of syphilis.

Sexually transmitted diseases are typically not discussed in polite conversation. But the less they are talked about, the more of a hidden epidemic they are becoming.

We need to realize that anyone who has sex — oral, anal or vaginal intercourse and genital touching — can get an STD. It doesn't matter whether you are straight, married, single or gay, everyone is at risk.

Chlamydia

The National Overview of Sexually Transmitted Disease for 2015 showed disturbing trends in the arena of STDs.

For example, chlamydia, is the most common STD in the U.S. with around 3 million men and women contracting it each year.

In 2015, it showed an increase of 5.9% in the number of cases compared with the rate in 2014. Chlamydia can be easily cured, but if left untreated it can make it difficult for a woman to get pregnant by causing permanent damage to a woman's reproductive system.

t can also cause an ectopic pregnancy that can be possibly fatal to the mother.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea can infect both men and women by causing an infection in the genitals, rectum and throat. Again, this is another very common STD, particularly among young people ages 15-24 years.

During 2014-2015 the rate of reported gonorrhea increased 18.3% among men and 6.8% among women. The vast increase among men suggests either increased transmission or increased rates of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men.

One problem that is fueling the increase of gonorrhea is antimicrobial resistance of increased resistance to drug therapies that can treat the infection. Currently, the dual therapy of ceftriaxone and azithromycin are the only CDC recommended treatment for gonorrhea.

Syphilis

The STD syphilis is highly contagious and again spread primarily by sexual activity. It generally begins as a painless sore that may be confused for an ingrown hair or other harmless bump.

If left untreated it can have very serious consequences, possibly resulting in affecting the eyes and leading to permanent blindness.

During 2014-2015 the syphilis rate increased among both men (18.1%) and women (27.3%) in every region of the country.

The trend of increases in STDs is not good news. There was a time during the early 2000s when the rate of STDs was actually on a downward trend. But beginning sometime after 2010 there began an upward swing in STDs.

Part of the blame rests on funding cuts for programs and clinics that test and treat people for STDs. When there are few resources for testing and treating them, they are more likely to be spread unknowingly.

Another reason for the increase of STDs could be the fact they are not frequently talked about, therefore many people, particularly younger ones, may not be as well-educated and informed on the prevalence and dangers an STD can bring to their lives.

STDS can have serious consequences, but practicing safe sex can result in a significant reduction in sexually-transmitted infections.

Here is information from the CDC on ways each of us can help prevent sexually transmitted diseases:

Abstinence. This is the most reliable way to avoid contracting an STD. Abstinence does not just mean avoiding vaginal or anal intercourse but also includes oral sex.

Vaccination. To prevent hepatitis B and HPV, it is best to be vaccinated from them.

Reduce number of sex partners. The more people we have sex with, the greater risk of contracting an STD. Each partner should be tested for an STD and results shared with one another.

Mutual monogamy. This means both partners agree to be sexually active with only each other. Long-term monogamous relationships where both are uninfected is a very reliable way to prevent an STD.

Condoms. When they are used correctly, wearing a latex condom every time a man has anal, vaginal or oral sex can be very effective in reducing the transmission of an STD.

Dr. David Samadi is a board-certified urologic oncologist trained in open and traditional and laparoscopic surgery and is an expert in robotic prostate surgery. He is chairman of urology, chief of robotic surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital and professor of urology at Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine. He is a medical correspondent for the Fox News Channel's Medical A-Team Learn more at roboticoncology.com. Visit Dr. Samadi's blog at SamadiMD.com. Follow Dr. Samadi on Twitter, Instagram, Pintrest and Facebook.