STI Cases Surge in 2021: Complicated Reasons and Possible Solutions.

Cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the US rose by 6% in 2021, with syphilis seeing the largest increase of 32%. The rise in STIs is disproportionately affecting gay and bisexual men, younger people, Black Americans, and American Indian/Alaska Natives. Experts attribute the increase to decreasing condom use, lack of access to healthcare, and a rise in substance abuse. The National Coalition of STD Directors is calling for additional funding of more than $300m to the CDC’s Division of STD Prevention to ramp up STI testing and treatment.