After hitting record lows around 2009, gonorrhea rates have been climbing steadily. Chlamydia and syphilis rates have also been increasing, hitting record national highs in 2016.

A likely culprit? Lack of early screening.

The 2008 recession led to severe budget cuts, which drastically affected state and local STD program budgets. In 2009, 34 states cut STD program funding. These cuts directly affected laboratory, clinical care and screening services, thus nearly removing affordable access for low-income individuals.

STD transmission and human sexual health are complex issues, and thus cannot be explained by one factor alone. But it is possible these budgets cuts contributed to the current predicament of increased rates.

From 2013 to 2014 alone, syphilis rates increased by 15 percent, gonorrhea by 5 percent and chlamydia by 2.5 percent.