Do romance novels contribute to the spread of STDs?

Violent video games and sex-themed television shows have both undergone scrutiny from researchers and parents who think that the underlying messages in these forms of media can have a negative influence on individuals who view them.

Now, a recent article published by the Philadelphia Inquirer has indicated that romance novels may be under fire for promoting risky sexual behaviors.

The newspaper cited an essay written by UK sexologist Susan Quilliam and published in a British medical journal, which highlighted the possibility that individuals who read romance novels may not be able to separate fictitious stories about women who engage in intercourse without considering protection from real life, in which these actions may lead to unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

However, the news provider noted that other researchers have critiqued Quilliam for referencing novels from the 1970s to 1990s, as contemporary romance fiction includes more frequent mentions of condoms.

"I do always try to make some mention of safeguards when appropriate to the story," said author Lynne Raye Harris, quoted by the news source.

A survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that only 22 percent of men and 19 percent of women used a condom during all of their sexual encounters in the previous four weeks.