By Dan Bodde
Date: 2/4/2012

A recent report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that even with greater efforts to educate the public on the dangers of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and the importance of practicing safer sex, there are 19 million new cases of syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia in the U.S. each year. This is a high number, especially considering that these infections are preventable.

USA Today reports that the most significant rise has been seen in chlamydia, with rates of the disease steadily increasing during the past 20 years.
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, chlamydia sometimes presents with little to no symptoms, so a person can pass it on to their partner without even knowing they are infected.

“STDs are one of the most critical health challenges facing the nation today,” CDC researchers said in their report, quoted by the news source.
The report also found that while syphilis rates fell slightly from 2009 to 2010, the number of infection among young black men is up 136 percent since 2006.

As 2011 comes to a close, the Sun Sentinel, a Florida news source, published an article looking back on some of the moments in sexual health this year. As it turns out, 2011 was an important year for sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention. For example, the journal Science named the discovery of the fact that HIV drugs may not only effectively control the disease, but can also reduce a person’s chance of spreading it, the biggest scientific breatkthrough of the year.

The first sexual health event that the news source pointed out was Columbia University being named by the Trojan condom company as the school with the best sexual health resources for its students for the second year in a row. This is due to the fact that students can easily gain access to contraceptives on campus, and have access to the interactive website “Go Ask Alice,” which allows students to anonymously ask sexual health questions.

Other important advancements made this year included the comprehensive study conducted by Indiana University’s Center for Sexual Health Promotion. The results of its research, such as the fact that only 1 out of 4 acts of vaginal intercourse involve a condom, have lead to the development of more programs to promote safer sex.

“These data about sexual behaviors and condom use in contemporary America are critically needed by medical and public health professionals who are on the front lines addressing issues such as HIV, sexually transmissible infections, and unintended pregnancy,” said Michael Reece, director of the Center for Sexual Health Promotion.

Finally, the Sentinel said that the biggest event in sexual health this year was the world population reaching 7 billion people. This milestone led to greater discussion about safer sex and reproductive education.

Here is a link to the full article.

Seniors enjoy sex, but lack knowledge of STD testing

by Ritter Rudesind, Care Advisor

A lot of people agree on the importance of educating young people about safer sex. We have sex education in schools, Public Service Announcements on TV and radio stations, and other forms of outreach aimed at young people to help them be responsible and protect their sexual health.

So why is it that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 24% of HIV positive people are 50 years or older? Not to mention, the CDC expects that percentage to double by 2015. That’s why today’s National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day is so important…to help shed light on this public health challenge and how to help prevent it.

What are some contributing causes of the rising number of HIV infections among older generations?

Age-based profiling

It turns out that many physicians don’t test older patients for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and many don’t even ask their older patients about their sex lives or intravenous drug use. According to Dr. Stacey Lindau, an Ob/Gyn at the University of Chicago, “Removing age-based profiling with respect to STD screenings is a good idea”…and a good first step in reversing the trend of new HIV infections among Boomers and older.

Lack of outreach and information

Many people in their 50s and above never had sex ed in their youth or adolescence, so they lack the knowledge that younger generations take for granted. When it comes to why and how to use condoms, and the importance of regular STD screenings and not sharing drug needles…some older folks just don’t know all the facts.

Seniors are living longer…and enjoying sex in their golden years

The good news is that people 50 and older are living longer, healthier, more socially active lives than ever before. They’re taking care of their bodies and continuing to enjoy sex…but they’re less likely to talk about sex and STDs with their partners, friends and doctors like a lot of younger people do.

So, if you’re 50-plus…remember that taking care of your sexual health is a critical part of taking care of your overall health (and your partner’s health). In other words, it’s important to take control of your sexual well-being at any age…we encourage you to talk to your doctor about HIV and STD testing, and your options for safer sex as you get older.

Related info:

The Basics About STDs

by Del Wright, Care Advisor

Free flowing alcohol, scantily dressed co-eds and the singular goal to pack as much fun as possible into a single week…Spring Break isn’t exactly conducive to good decision-making.

It’s that time of year again when college students head to the beach to take part in this eagerly anticipated rite of debauchery, often throwing caution to the wind. The influence of peer groups is especially important in this atmosphere,
where inhibitions are at their lowest with little thought to the consequences.

Frank conversations among friends regarding sexual behavior and alcohol use is key to students’ health and safety…but college students generally place more importance on their safety at the bars than in the bedroom. A recent study by the University of Michigan shows that, while young people are all too open about discussing their partying plans, more than half of the 650 students polled don’t talk with friends about their anticipated sexual activity.

In conversations about sex that did occur, however, men tended to argue with friends over whether or not to engage in “risky behavior,” and were four times more likely than women to decide on having sex with someone new. Female friends tended to agree to engage in “safer” sexual behaviors, but the guys were more likely to consult with each other regarding condom use if they planned on having intercourse.

In related findings by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen & Unplanned Pregnancy, 17% of women and 19% of men ages 18-29 admit that it’s extremely likely they’ll have unprotected sex in the next three months. Additionally, 12% of the women and 23% of the men polled say it’s at least somewhat likely that they’ll have unprotected sex in the same timeframe. All told, 29% of women and 42% of men acknowledged unprotected sex as a possibility in the near future.

Such lack of concern or planning for safe sex often stems from a feeling of invincibility, and the misguided perception among young people that alcohol poisoning is a greater health threat than contracting a potentially life-altering STD. So, Spring Breakers, take time to discuss your personal boundaries with your friends before you hit the beach, and ask them to help you stick to your plan.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommend using a completely unrolled condom during any sexual activity involving genital contact. And, of course, regular STD testing is the only way to know the status of your sexual health for sure…check out our 8-test panel that tests for eight common bacterial and viral STDs.

Have fun, and be safe!

by Mary Trahan, Care Advisor

Hepatitis C is an infection of the liver that usually isn’t noticed until late stages of the disease…it can take two to three decades for hepatitis C to progress to an inflammation where the liver starts showing damage. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus is the leading cause of liver transplants, causing about 12,000 deaths in the United States every year…and that number could triple in the next 20 years.

Interestingly, a great number of people with hepatitis C, who may or may not know that they are infected, belong to the so-called “Baby Boomer” generation. Besides having possibly engaged in some risky behavior in their youth (remember the “free love,” hippie days), Baby Boomers were also potentially at risk from blood transfusions that, prior to 1992, were not tested for hepatitis C. As a result, the CDC is considering recommendations for routine testing of older Americans as a way of combating the disease.

The good news is that advances are being made in the treatment of hepatitis C.

Until now, patients have been treated with two drugs, Peginterferon and Ribavirin, that have strong side effects and aren’t always successful. In fact, only about 40% of patients are helped by the drugs, sometimes only after multiple rounds of treatments. However, new, ongoing studies by the CDC at hospitals in New York, Detroit, Houston and Birmingham, Ala. show that adding one of two new drugs, Boceprevir or Telaprevir, to a hepatitis C treatment plan improve the odds of being cured to 67-75% percent (i.e., no signs of the virus six months after the last treatment dose).

It’s anticipated that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will approve these new drugs by Summer 2011. In the meantime, be sure to get tested if you think you might have been exposed to the virus so that you can be monitored and treated, and avoid the potentially serious health problems associated with chronic hepatitis C. If you do test positive, it’s also important to learn how to live with and manage the disease (like avoiding alcohol), and how to prevent passing it to others.

Remember, getting tested is easy! And it’s the only way to know your status for sure. Read more…

Related News:

• Infectious Disease Experts Call for More Focus on Hepatitis C (HealthDay News)
• Updated on April 5, 2011: Boceprevir for the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Infection (The New England Journal of Medicine blog)

by Sabine Kortals, Editorial Director

More than half of all diagnosed cases of HIV are among blacks, although they only comprise about 13% of the U.S. population.

Moreover, the rate of new HIV infections among black men is about 8x that of whites. The disproportionate burden of the disease carried by black men is largely attributed to male-to-male sexual contact.

That’s why today is so important. It’s National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day which aims to mobilize communities to share knowledge and understanding about HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the annual event encourages getting tested for HIV once or twice a year, depending on your risk factors. Among others, high risk factors include men who have sex with men (MSM), a history of unprotected sex, a history of other STDs and intraveneous drug use. For those recently diagnosed with the virus, the event also promotes treatment options to manage and maintain a good quality of life as long as possible.

Remember, being HIV-positive isn’t a death sentence. Antiretroviral drugs, gels and other HIV medications are becoming increasingly effective…but early detection is key. And it’s not a person’s race or ethnicity that makes him or her more prone to HIV infection…rather, it’s social barriers, like not having health insurance, that put African-Americans at greater risk.

So do your part. Remind your family, friends and loved ones to get educated, tested and – if needed – treated for HIV. Together, we can help prevent the spread of HIV, and reduce the rate of new infections among African-Americans by being smart about how we protect ourselves and others from transmitting the virus.

Learn more:

• Information about HIV among African-Americans (CDC)
• Basic information about HIV and AIDS (CDC)
• AIDS gel prevents infection in monkeys (MedlinePlus)

by Sabine Kortals, Editorial Director

While African-Americans are known to run the highest risk of testing positive with HIV in their lifetimes, it’s perhaps less well-known that Hispanics in the United States also run a high risk for being diagnosed with the virus that causes AIDS.

The CDC’s recent Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report found that 1 in 36 Hispanic men and 1 in 106 Hispanic women in the United States are at risk…and the Estimated Lifetime Risk (ELR) of an HIV diagnosis among Hispanics is 1 in 52. While that’s lower than the ELR among blacks (1 in 22), it almost three times higher than the rate among whites (1 in 170).

Drilling down even further, the rate of HIV diagnosis among Hispanic males is three times higher than that of white males, and fives times higher among Hispanic women compared to white women.

But, remember: no one is risk-free…STDs, including HIV, can affect anyone of any background, race, ethnicity or socioeconomic status. So be aware of the risk factors that may apply to you, also including:

• A history of STDs and unprotected sex
• A new sexual partner or multiple sexual partners
• Men who have sex with men (MSM)
• Sexually active teens and young adults
• Sexual contact with sex workers
• Having sex under the influence of drugs or alcohol

If you recognize yourself in one or more of these lifestyle risks factors, be sure to get tested early and often…and protect yourself and others from the potentially serious effects of undiagnosed and untreated STDs.

Unzipped has just learned that Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath end every tour the same way.  Do they enjoy a feast of bats?  Drink the blood of virgins?  Maybe.  But that’s not news.  Ozzy writes in Britain’s Sunday Times Magazine that he and his bandmates end every tour with a visit to an STD clinic for testing and treatment.  A life of rock and roll has health consequences, but we have to say that we’re sincerely heartened by this story.  And we’re sure that Sharon feels the same.

• Learn about how private STD testing works
• Think you can tell an STD Fact from an STD Myth?