Most Common STDs in the US, Ranked by Prevalence
Content last reviewed 2026-09-12 · Educational information — not medical advice
Quick answer
HPV is the most common STI in the US, with about 80% of sexually active people getting it at some point. Chlamydia is the most-reported bacterial STI at roughly 1.6 million cases a year. Trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, HSV-2, syphilis, and HIV follow, in that order of prevalence.
What is the most common STD in the US?
HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common STI. About 80% of sexually active people will get it at some point, and roughly 90% of infections clear on their own within two years. Low-risk types like 6 and 11 cause warts, while high-risk types like 16 and 18 carry cancer risk. Most people never know they have it, which is why the HPV vaccine is recommended for ages 9 to 45.
What are the most common STDs, ranked?
| Rank | Infection | Key fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | HPV | ~80% of sexually active people get it; ~90% clear within 2 years |
| 2 | Chlamydia | ~1.6M cases/yr; most-reported bacterial STI |
| 3 | Trichomoniasis | most common curable STI; ~70% asymptomatic |
| 4 | Gonorrhea | often silent, especially in women |
| 5 | HSV-2 | 1 in 6 Americans 14-49; most don't know |
| 6 | Syphilis | staged disease; curable with penicillin |
| 7 | HIV | manageable with ART; not curable |
Why is chlamydia the most reported bacterial STI?
Chlamydia is the most-reported bacterial STI in the US, with about 1.6 million cases reported each year. The real number is higher because roughly 75% of women and 50% of men with chlamydia have no symptoms, so many infections go undetected and unreported. Untreated chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy in women, and epididymitis in men. Annual screening for sexually active women under 25 is the CDC recommendation.
How common is genital herpes?
About 1 in 6 Americans aged 14 to 49 have HSV-2, and most of them do not know it. HSV-1, the cold sore virus, is even more common and increasingly causes genital herpes through oral sex. Herpes is not curable, but antivirals like acyclovir and valacyclovir suppress outbreaks and reduce transmission by roughly 50 to 70%. A type-specific IgG blood test can tell you which type you carry.
What does the prevalence ranking mean for my testing?
The ranking explains why screening matters. The most common infections, HPV and chlamydia, are also the most likely to be silent. HPV has no routine test for men and no cure, but the vaccine covers what testing cannot. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are easily detected with a urine NAAT and easily cured. A comprehensive STD panel covers the bacterial infections, while HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis need blood testing.
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Frequently asked questions
Is HPV the same as an STD?
HPV is a sexually transmitted infection and the most common one in the US. Most infections clear on their own within two years.
Which STD is called the silent disease?
Chlamydia is often called the silent STD because about 75% of women and 50% of men have no symptoms.