Globally, more than one million new STI infections occur on a daily basis, the World Health Organization reports. Four conditions are responsible for the bulk of these new diagnoses – gonorrhoea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis and syphilis. Researchers have also identified a troublesome new trend. There have been multiple super-gonorrhoea infections. These involve a bacterial strain that has evolved to become antibiotic-resistant. As a result, such infections become nearly impossible to treat.

The US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases will grant massive sums for the research and development of STD vaccines over the coming five years. The scientific community will focus on the three most common STIs in the world – chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis. While information about STIs is readily available, the incidence of such infections has increased rapidly. Because the diseases pose a serious public health risk in countries across the world, all efforts will be concentrated on their prevention and eventual eradication.

Going for STD testing alone may seem like such a difficult thing to do. Knowing your STD status is however, very important. If you’re scared of getting tested alone, ask your sexual partner to go with you. It will be easier.