Online sexual encounter listings linked to STD cases

Online dating has become one of the most common ways people are finding their "ideal" match in a partner. However, those who list advertisements or take advantage of these listings on various websites may be putting themselves at a higher risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

According to Forbes.com, casual and consensual sexual meetings have been popular since the 1970's, with most recent growth found during the 1990's when these experiences became available online. In fact, in 2000, health officials reported a syphilis outbreak among men who have sex with men (MSM), with the majority of cases occurring because of online chat room encounters.

More recent studies have shown a growing number of chat room visitors who have tested positive for chlamydia or gonorrheaare among the MSM population, the news source reports.

Many computer users who become involved in casual sexual encounters through the internet may be putting themselves at a higher risk of contracting STDs. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control reports that some 19 million new STD infections are diagnosed in the U.S. every year.