'Severe epidemic' of sexually-transmitted diseases is sweeping the nation, warns CDC on Valentine's Day

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control released data Wednesday revealing that 20 million new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diagnosed each year nationwide, costing some $16 billion in taxpayer funds.

Half of the 20 million new infections affect people ages 15 to 24 - who only make up a quarter of the population,l according to the statistics.



Human papillomavirus (HPV) tops the list as the most common infection followed by chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, hepatitis B, HIV and trichomoniasis.



The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has revealed that 20 million new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diagnosed each year nationwide

The number of new infections in the country has been growing over the last couple decades, leading one CDC researcher to declare that the U.S. is facing an 'ongoing, severe STI epidemic.'

There were 15 million new infections reported in 1996 and 18.9 million reported in 2000. Though researchers noted that the methods for gathering information about new infections back then were slightly different, and may account for some discrepancy in the numbers.



'STIs take a big health and economic toll on men and women in the United States, especially our youth,' CDC epidemiologist Catherine Lindsay told NBC News .



Much of the $16 billion in annual healthcare costs that go to STI's is spent on patients with HIV/AIDS, who require lifetime care.



On the eve of Valentine's Day, the CDC released the new studies on the growth of STI's to urge people to practice abstinence or safe sex

But less serious infections aren't always less expensive.



Diseases like Chlamydia can lead to complications, especially if they are not treated, which can end up costing patients thousands of dollars out of pocket.

