The epidemiology and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases

Each year, approximately 12 million cases of STDs occur in the United States, including an estimated 1.4 million cases of gonorrhea, 130,000 cases of syphilis, 4 million cases of chlamydia, 500,000 to 1 million cases of human papillomavirus, 200,000 to 500,000 cases of genital herpes, and 45,000 cases of AIDS. These numbers should be viewed cautiously, because many STDs are not reported, many are not easily diagnosed, and many are asymptomatic or inapparent. The control of STDs can be achieved only through the continuing efforts of physicians to recognize and treat STDs and to counsel patients routinely in prevention.