Chlamydiais asexually transmitted infection (STI)that often presents without symptoms.
People between the ages of 15 and 24 are the most likely to contract the infection.
Roughly two-thirds of chlamydia cases are found in people that belong to that age group.
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This article discusses facts and statistics that you should know about this STI.
People may be unaware that they have symptoms, making it easier to spread.
How Common Is Chlamydia?
There were 1.6 million new cases of chlamydia in 2023.
That amounts to roughly 495.0 cases per 100,000 people.
Because of the numbers documented, chlamydia was the most reported STI in the United States in 2023.
While those numbers seem high, they are actually lower than the rate reported in 2019.
The incidence rate of chlamydia continuously rose between 2000 and 2019 before declining between 2019 and 2020.
In the year 2000, rates were roughly 250 cases per 100,000 people in the country.
By 2019, those rates had risen to just over 500 cases per 100,000 people.
What Causes the Steady Incline of Cases?
What Are the Mortality Rates for Chlamydia?
While chlamydia isnt necessarily fatal, having an untreated infection can lead to severe health consequences.
As many as 40% of untreated chlamydia cases lead to PID.
Men who have sex with men (MSM) should also be tested annually.
The method for diagnosing chlamydia varies.
People with penises are tested with a urine sample or swab from the rectum or throat.
In some cases, a urine sample is used to detect chlamydia.
Summary
Chlamydia is a highly common STI that affects a large number of the American population.
Roughly 1.6 million cases were reported to the CDC in 2023 alone.
While the numbers have steadily increased since 2000, the cases dropped slightly between 2019 and 2020.
Having multiple partners can also increase the risk.
Not having proper access to healthcare screenings may also play a role in the transmission of the infection.
While chlamydia isnt fatal, it can lead to dire health consequences, especially for people with a uterus.
A Word From Verywell
Having chlamydia often comes with a stigma attached.
People often frown upon STIs.
The stigma isnt warranted, considering how incredibly common chlamydia is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, a chlamydia test is quick and easy.
Urine tests, as well as swab tests, can be done to detect the chlamydia bacterium.
Swab tests can be used to detect chlamydia in the genitals, rectum, or oral cavity.
If you receive a positive result, dont panic.
Treatment is easy and highly effective.
You will also be asked to notify all previous sexual partners as well.
First and foremost, you’re free to practice safe sex.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.National overview of STIs in 2023.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About chlamydia.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.CDCs 2022 STI surveillance report underscores that STIs must be a public health priority.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Reported STDs reach all-time high for 6th consecutive year.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Table 34.
Chlamydia Rates of Reported Cases* by Race/Hispanic Ethnicity, Age Group, and Sex, United States.
2019;46(6):357-363. doi:10.1097/OLQ.0000000000000980
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Table 32.
Chlamydia Reported Cases and Rates of Reported Cases by Age Group and Sex, United States.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chlamydia TrachomatisInfection 2022 Case Definition.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Getting tested for STIs.
