Book excerpt: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are hidden epidemics of enormous health and economic consequence in the U.S. They are hidden because many Americans are reluctant to address sexual health issues in an open way and because of the biologic and social characteristics. All communities are impacted by STDs and all individuals directly or indirectly pay for the costs of these diseases. This report presents statistics and trends for STDs in the U.S. through 2014, which show that reported cases of three nationally notifiable STDs - chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis - are increasing at an alarming rate, for the first time since 2006. Because of incomplete diagnosis and reporting, the number of reported STD cases is less than the actual number of cases occurring in the U.S. population. Figures. This is a print on demand report.