More people contracting HIV may live in Southern states

The spreading of sexually transmitted diseases has been a growing epidemic in the U.S. for decades, and recently Southern states have been singled out by public health authorities for the number of residents contracting HIV/AIDS. Fortunately, advocates are speaking out in an effort to explain and stem the spread of the disease in those regions, according to TheBody.com, a blog that specializes in HIV/AIDS information.

People who have been affected by a weaker economy in the South and have contracted HIV may be less likely to seek treatment. Furthermore, individuals who are unemployed or have low incomes may have limited access to healthcare, resulting in the inability to receive appropriate medical treatments, including regular doctors exams and medication, according to Marc Kolman, the blog's author.

More cases of STDs in Southern states may also be caused by a lack of resources for people in underserved areas, he wrote. Because there aren't enough healthcare providers, people who contract the disease are often unable to receive treatment.

The South is also well known for its conservative and religious values, which may keep people who have contracted the disease from seeking treatment. In addition to the opinions of church members, the stigma that surrounds STDs may be preventing individuals from being tested or telling their loved ones.

People who have unprotected sex are increasing their risk of contracting an STD or passing it onto their partners. In 2006, more than 1.1 million people in the U.S. were living with HIV, and 21 percent of these individuals were undiagnosed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.