Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) refer to the more than 25 infectious organisms that are transmitted primarily through sexual activity and are a major public health challenge in the United States. Although progress has been made in preventing, diagnosing, and treating STDs in recent years, an estimated 19 million new infections occur each year, almost half of them among young persons aged 15 to 24 years.¹ In addition to the physical and psychological consequences of STDs, these diseases exact an economic toll. Direct medical costs associated with STDs in the United States are estimated at $13 billion annually.²

Of the 19 objectives in this focus area, 2 met or exceeded their targets, and another 4 made progress toward their targets. Two objectives demonstrated mixed movement relative to targets, varying by individual subobjectives. The remaining objectives could not be assessed at the midcourse review.

The most notable progress in meeting the Healthy People 2010 overarching goal of improving quality and years of healthy life occurred in genital herpes and treatment for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Both objectives met or exceeded their targets. In addition, progress was made in addressing fertility problems, increasing responsible sexual behavior in adolescents, and reducing overall rates for primary and secondary syphilis and congenital syphilis. Significant progress also was made in reducing the disparity in primary and secondary syphilis rates between the black non-Hispanic and white non-Hispanic populations.