What is the Most Common STD in Women?

HPV is the most common STI, while chlamydia is the most commonly reported bacterial STI in the United States. More than 1.6 million chlamydia cases were reported nationwide in 2023, including cases in both women and men. This bacterial infection often presents without symptoms, making regular screening crucial for sexually active women. The CDC recommends annual chlamydia testing for all sexually active women under 25 and older women with risk factors like new or multiple partners. Left untreated, chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which can cause fertility problems and increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy. Chlamydia can usually be cured by taking the prescribed antibiotics correctly. Patients should avoid sex until they and their partners have completed treatment and should be tested again about three months later because reinfection is common.