STD Rates Keep Rising in Washington State

The Washington State Department of Health says STD's (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) have risen steadily over the last five years, and nationally, are at an all time high--in Washington state as well.

National data shows the following increases in the four most commonly found diseases:

1.8 million cases of chlamydia; 19% increase since 2014.

583,405 cases of gonorrhea; 63% increase since 2014.

115,045 cases of syphilis; 71% increase of infectious syphilis since 2014.

1,306 cases of syphilis among newborns; 185% rate increase since 2014.

Of these chlamydia is the most commonly reported, and it's highest risk age group is women ages 20-24.  In general, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) who released the study, the highest risk STD groups are as follows:

*Young persons ages 15-24

*Gay or bisexual men

*Pregnant women

Pregnant women were included in the high risk category because of the dangerous consequences STD's can have on unborn babies. There are a number of serious complications and issues that can be passed onto a baby from these STD's.

For more on the new study from the CDC, click on the button below.