The CDC estimates that there were 26 million new STDs in 2018 in the United States. The populations at increased risk of contracting an STD are:
- Youth aged 15 - 24 years. Although this group make up only about a quarter of the sexually active population, almost half of new STDs were in individuals of this age.
- Men who have sex with men accounted for 69% of new HIV cases in 2018, and are also associated with a higher prevalence of syphilis.
- Injectable drug users.
- Children of hepatitis B-positive and hepatitis C-positive mothers.
- Individuals who require blood or blood products.
- Dialysis patients.
- Individuals with multiple sex partners.
- Healthcare personnel who may be exposed to infected blood.
- HIV patients have an increased risk of contracting other STDs.
- Incarcerated individuals.