Resistance...

There were more cases of sexually transmitted diseases reported last year than ever before.
Rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis  three of the most common S.T.D.s  grew for the second consecutive year. And while all three diseases are treatable with antibiotics, most cases continue to go undiagnosed, potentially causing infertility and other problems.

The syphilis rate rose most sharply, by 19 percent. Public health officials are particularly worried about an increase in the number of babies whose mothers are passing it to them in utero, which can cause stillbirths and infant deaths. Progress in the fight against S.T.D.s has “unraveled,” according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Young people, minorities and men who have sex with other men are at most risk of getting an S.T.D.  Chlamydia rates are highest among 15-to 24-year-olds, who accounted for nearly two-thirds of diagnoses last year, and among blacks. While chlamydia disproportionately affects women, the rate of reported cases among men grew more sharply last year.  

Most of the new gonorrhea and syphilis cases were among gay men, although rates are climbing for women, too. Public health officials are worried that gonorrhea is becoming resistant. Although gonorrhea rates are highest among blacks, they have jumped over the last few years among whites.