New research sheds light on the sexual health habits of some Americans.
The study, conducted by DatingNews.com, analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau to find out where and how Americans are contracting and spreading STIs (sexually transmitted infections), also known as STDs.
Among the findings was that 55% of people with a sexually transmitted disease caught it from an affair partner.
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Of the nearly 1,000 respondents, 13% said their partner had lied to them about their STI status, and 45% said they had not discussed testing with their partner before initiating sexual activity.
Nearly one in five respondents (18%) said they had been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease, with chlamydia, the most common diagnosis, accounting for 36% of cases.
A survey found that 55% of people with a sexually transmitted disease said they caught it from an affair partner. (iStock)
DatingNews.com spokesperson Emily Fanous told Fox News Digital that survey participants ranged in age from 18 to 79.
With 81% of Americans over the age of 18 being sexually active, Fanous emphasized the importance of knowing your risks and how getting tested can help with prevention.
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One in three Americans surveyed said they had never been tested for an STI.
Baby Boomers are most likely to have not been tested (51%), followed by Millennials (33%) and Gen Z and Gen X (both 29%).
The main reasons respondents refrained from getting tested were embarrassment (25%), lack of time (22%) and cost (19%).
Baby Boomers make up 51% of people who have never been tested for an STI. (iStock)
More than 20 million new cases of STIs are reported each year in the United States, said Dr. Gabe Gaviola, MD, senior medical director of EverlyWell, a New York-based at-home STD testing and treatment platform.
“What really surprised me about this finding is the lack of testing for STIs that can prevent new infections,” Gaviola, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital in an interview.
“Many STIs don’t cause symptoms, so you shouldn’t wait until you have symptoms to get tested.”
“As a physician and public health advocate, I want more people to know that there are affordable at-home STI testing options that provide fast, reliable results with the privacy and convenience of collecting samples at home.”
“We want people to know there are affordable at-home testing options that allow them to get tested for STIs in the privacy and convenience of their own home, with fast and reliable results,” the sexual health expert said. (iStock)
The survey also found that only 34% get tested for STIs annually, and less than 25% get tested before starting a new relationship.
“These numbers are not enough,” Gaviola said. “Many STIs are asymptomatic, which means people should not wait until they have symptoms to get tested.”
Sexually Transmitted Diseases by State
The study also revealed which US states have the most cases of sexually transmitted diseases and infections.
Mississippi has the highest rate with 1,187 diagnoses per 100,000 people, followed by Louisiana with 1,145, Alaska with 1,066, South Dakota with 993 and Georgia with 975.
Fanous urges people who live in states with high infection rates to consider getting tested if they are sexually active.
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“These findings suggest that too many people are not prioritizing their sexual health,” Gaviola said.
“Whether it’s because of stigma, access or education, millions of Americans who are at high risk of contracting or transmitting STIs aren’t getting tested.”
“We need to advance the conversation around sexual health and increase education about the importance of STI testing.”
“Whether due to stigma, access or education, millions of Americans who are at high risk of contracting or transmitting a sexually transmitted disease are not getting tested,” the experts said. (iStock)
Everlywell will partner with the American Sexual Health Association to host the first-ever National Testing Day on September 30th.
“Testing is the first step in providing people with important information about their sexual health.”
“Our goal is to raise awareness and break down barriers to accessing this important medical care,” Gaviola said.
“Testing is the first step in providing people with important information about their sexual health.”
Sexual health experts also recommend regular STI testing for people in long-term monogamous relationships. (iStock)
Gaviola added that even people in long-term, monogamous relationships should keep their STI testing up to date.
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“Although many STIs do not cause symptoms, if left undetected and untreated they can lead to serious long-term health problems, including infertility,” he warned.
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Experts encouraged Americans to have frank discussions with their partners before engaging in sexual relations and to “keep in touch.”
“Getting tested regularly helps build trust that they take their sexual health as seriously as you do,” he said.
Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.
