EON

Washington (EON) – Sexually transmitted diseases or STDs among young people in the United States usually goes unreported and has been found to be far higher than expected in the state of California.

A study by the Public Health Institute of Oakland has estimated that the number of STD cases among 15 to 24-year-olds in California is more than 10 times higher than those which are reported.

The deputy county health officer Dr. Lisa Hernandez has stated that “We only see the tip of the iceberg.”

Many experts believe that this is the trend across the entire United States as the majority of STD cases among young people to unreported. The study looked at 8 types of STDs including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphillis, genital herpes, HPV, hepatitis B, HIV, and trichomoniasis.

Hernandez stated that “Symptoms often are not reported or not diagnosed.” The study shows a great need to increase health-care access to young people in that age group who may be more prone to skipping checkups with doctors.

The study states young people need to practice safer sex practices.