STDs remain common among black Americans

Blacks continue to be an at-risk population for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the U.S., the South Florida Times reports.

According to the news source, while African Americans comprised 14 percent of the population in 2009, they made up a full 71 percent of the nation’s gonorrhea cases.

Furthermore, they also accounted for roughly half of all reported chlamydia and syphilis cases - 48 percent and 52 percent, respectively. The numbers are based on a report recently released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Among black men, the rate of syphilis transmission rose threefold in four years, from approximately 20 cases in 100,000 to nearly 60.

Undetected STDs, the paper concluded, carry numerous risks including infertility, co-infections and even - with diseases like HIV - a drastically lower life expectancy. Those concerned about the state of their sexual health may consider looking into online testing and screening services.

The CDC estimates that 19 million new STD infections are transmitted every year in the U.S.