Honestly, the way we talk about sexual health in this country is kinda broken. We usually wait for some massive, scary headline to pop up before we even think about getting tested. And if you've been watching the news lately, you might think we’re in a total freefall. But the reality of STI rates in the US in 2026 is actually a bit more complicated—and surprisingly hopeful in some spots—than the doom-scrolling suggests.
For the first time in what feels like forever, we’re seeing the numbers start to bend. According to the latest provisional data from the CDC, overall reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis actually dropped by about 9% in 2024. That’s the third year in a row things have trended down.
Does that mean we can all just stop worrying? Not exactly.
While the "big three" are dipping, we are still dealing with over 2.2 million reported infections a year. To put that in perspective, that’s more than the entire population of New Mexico getting a diagnosis every single year. And there is one specific area where the numbers aren't just high—they're tragic.
Why Syphilis is Still the Elephant in the Room
If you look at the stats for STI rates in the US, syphilis is the one that really keeps public health experts like Dr. Elizabeth Finley from the National Coalition of STD Directors up at night.
For a long time, we thought we had syphilis beat. In the late 90s, it was almost eradicated in the US. Now? It's back with a vengeance. Even though primary and secondary syphilis cases (the most infectious stages) actually saw a massive 22% drop recently, there’s a massive catch.
Congenital syphilis—which is when a mother passes the infection to her baby—is still rising. It’s up nearly 700% since 2015.
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Think about that for a second. We have a disease that is 100% curable with basic penicillin, yet nearly 4,000 babies were born with it last year. It’s a massive failure of our prenatal care system, especially in the South and West where access to doctors is, frankly, pretty spotty.
The "Doxy PEP" Game Changer
So, why are the general numbers finally going down? It’s not because people suddenly stopped having sex or started using condoms perfectly.
A lot of experts point to something called Doxy PEP.
Basically, it’s like the "morning-after pill" but for STIs. You take a dose of doxycycline (a common antibiotic) within 72 hours after unprotected sex, and it can slash your risk of catching syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea by over 60-80%. It’s been a total shift for high-risk communities, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM), who have historically borne the brunt of these epidemics.
Breaking Down the Numbers: Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
Chlamydia remains the most commonly reported STI in the country. It’s the "silent" one because most people have zero symptoms.
- Chlamydia: Dropped about 8% recently.
- Gonorrhea: Down about 10%.
But here’s the thing about those "declines." Some doctors worry the numbers are down because people aren't getting tested as much in person. Since the pandemic, we've shifted a lot of care to telehealth. If you’re just chatting with a doctor on a screen and they don't tell you to go into a lab, you don't become a statistic.
Also, we have to talk about the "Partner Gap." In many senior living facilities, STI rates in the US are actually skyrocketing among people over 65. Why? Because they’re healthy, they’re active, and—let’s be real—they aren't worried about getting pregnant, so condom use is at like 3%.
The Stealthy Rise of At-Home Testing
One of the coolest (and most necessary) shifts in 2025 and 2026 has been the normalization of at-home test kits. Companies like LetsGetChecked and even state-funded programs in places like New York are making it so you don't have to sit in a clinic waiting room for two hours.
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This is huge for privacy. A lot of people avoid testing because of the "shame" factor, which is ridiculous but real. If you can pee in a cup or do a quick swab in your own bathroom and mail it off, you're way more likely to do it.
What the Stats Don’t Tell You
The "official" STI rates in the US are always just the tip of the iceberg.
- The Undiagnosed: For every reported case of chlamydia, there are likely two or three more people walking around who have no idea they’re carriers.
- Social Determinants: If you live in a "pharmacy desert" or don't have health insurance, your chances of getting treated before you pass it on are much lower.
- Antibiotic Resistance: Gonorrhea is getting harder to treat. We're down to basically one main antibiotic (ceftriaxone) that still works reliably. If that fails, we’re in trouble.
Actionable Steps: How to Navigate This
We aren't going to "policy" our way out of this overnight. It comes down to what you do in your own life.
1. Get a Baseline Test
If you haven't been tested in the last year and you're sexually active with more than one partner, just do it. Don't wait for a "burning" sensation. Most STIs are asymptomatic.
2. Ask for Doxy PEP
If you know you’re in a high-risk group or you’ve had a "scare," talk to your doctor or a telehealth provider about getting a prescription for Doxy PEP to keep in your medicine cabinet.
3. Demand Full Panels
When you go to the doctor, don't just say "test me for everything." Usually, "everything" doesn't include syphilis or even HIV unless you specifically ask. Be annoying about it.
4. Home Kits are Valid
If you’re busy, buy a kit. Just make sure it’s a reputable one that uses a CLIA-certified lab.
The downward trend in STI rates in the US is a sign that we’re finally getting better tools, like better testing and preventative antibiotics. But until we fix the massive gaps in prenatal care and the rising rates in older populations, we can't exactly hang a "Mission Accomplished" banner. Stay smart, get tested, and stop treating sexual health like it’s something to be embarrassed about.
Next Steps for Your Health:
- Find a Clinic: Use the CDC’s GetTested locator to find free or low-cost testing near you.
- Check Your Insurance: Many plans now cover at-home STI kits under new state mandates.
- Talk to Your Partner: It’s an awkward 2-minute conversation that saves a 2-week headache (or worse).