Spreading Fast: STD Rates In The United States Just Hit A Record High

In what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls "alarming" news, sexually transmitted diseases just hit an all-time high in the United States.

Cases of gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis have gone up for the first time since 2006, according to new data from the CDC.

More than 1.4 million cases of chlamydia were reported last year, marking the highest number of cases of any disease ever reported to the CDC. It's also a 2.8 percent increase in cases from 2013.

Syphilis saw its highest rate since 1994, with a 15.1 percent increase in cases from 2013, while gonorrhea saw a 5.1 percent increase.

What's causing the huge spike in STDs?

According to some officials, the rise in STDs can be partially blamed on a lack of funding for public health clinics.

Dr. Gail Bolan from the CDC tells NBC,

Most recently, there have been significant erosions of state and local STD control programs. Most people don't recognize that the direct clinical care of individuals with sexually transmitted diseases is supported by state and local funds and federal funds.

The CDC notes, young people and women are most at risk for contracting an STD, though they have also seen a rise in STDs among gay and bisexual men.

What can you do to stay safe? For one, practice safe sex, every time. Next is to have regular screenings if you are sexually active.

The CDC recommends yearly testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea for women under age 25, while gay or bisexual men should consider more frequent testing.

Citations: CDC Sees 'Alarming' Increase in Sexually Transmitted Diseases (NBC News)