Rate of HIV Infections Among Young Black Gay and Bisexual Men Increases

In today’s health section of the Sun Sentinel newspaper in South Florida, it is reported that recent studies by U.S. experts indicate that between 2006 – 2009 HIV infections rose nearly 50% among young black gay and bisexual men. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . . . “gay and bisexual men of all races continue to be most severely affected by HIV in the United States. They are the only risk group in the U.S. in which the annual number of new HIV infections is increasing, accounting for more than half of all new HIV infections in the U.S. annually. The rate of new HIV diagnoses among gay and bisexual men is more than 44 times that of other men (range: 522–989 per 100,000 MSM vs. 12 per 100,000 other men).”

The CDC recommends that gay and bisexual men be tested for HIV at least annually. Men with multiple partners or anonymous partners, and men who have sex while using drugs (including meth) or whose partner engages in these activities, should be tested more frequently (every 3-6 months). Call 1-800-CDC-INFO or visit http://www.hivtest.org to find HIV testing locations near you.

To learn more about sexually transmitted diseases, including prevention, treatment and testing procedures, visit: www.std-education.com

Most Common STDs

A Sexually Transmitted Disease, also known as an "STD", is an infection that is transmitted between two or more individuals usually during a sexual act or some other exchange of bodily fluids. It is estimated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ("CDC") that more than 50% of all people will contract a Sexually Transmitted Disease in their lifetime.

Some Sexually Transmitted Diseases, such as the HIV and Syphilis infections, can also be spread by non-sexual contact with bodily fluids. Such infections would include transmission to an unborn child through the mother during pregnancy and delivery, or infections spread from person to person through intravenous drug use (including tattooing or ear piercing procedures) with an unclean ("dirty") needle.

Bacterial infections and those STDs caused by parasites can be effectively treated with medication and cured. Symptoms of STDs which are caused by viral infections (such as HIV, Genital Herpes or Hepatitis) are treatable, but the disease itself cannot be cured.

For a more complete guide to the basics of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, including treatment alternatives and prevention, please visit: http://www.std-education.com.

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Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Just the Facts.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) continue to be a major health concern in the United States and throughout the world, and are frequently diagnosed in men and women who engage in various forms of sexual activity. STDs are not limited to certain races, cultures, income levels or a particular sexual preference. It is important, therefore, for anyone who is sexually active to be knowledgeable about how STDs are transmitted and to learn the ways you can limit your exposure to various diseases.

Although a great deal of progress has been made in recent years toward the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of many STDs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia estimate that approximately 19 million new STD infections occur each year, almost half of them among young people ages 15 to 24.

Practice safe sex. Talk to your partner(s) regarding each other’s health status before engaging in a sexual relationship. If you notice any rash, bumps or sores on your body, or experience any unusual bodily discharge (from the vagina in the female, or the penis in the male), stop having sex immediately, and make an appointment for an examination with your doctor or local health care provider. If you have been diagnosed with any form of a Sexually Transmitted Disease, or STD, notify all partners immediately; take all medications as prescribed; and do not have sex again until you and your partner(s) are physically cleared to resume sexual activity.

For more information on STDs, go to:

http://www.std-education.com

Sex after 55: The New Swinging Singles

For some, turning 55 marks the pivotal turning point in one’s lifetime. Retirement with its inherent lifestyle changes looms, and people turn inward, examining their innermost thoughts, desires and sensations. Living life to the fullest becomes the goal. Adult communities, which once offered few amenities, now embellish common areas with lavish community fitness centers and well designed sporting arenas for tennis, golfing or swimming enthusiasts. Social interaction with one’s neighbors becomes the norm. Appreciation of the opposite sex is alluring, and with advances modern medicine, erectile dysfunction has become a thing of the past.

Recent studies have shown that sexually active mature adults, especially people with multiple sexual partners, are at high risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease. The CDC reports that, between 2005 and 2009 there has been a 43% increase in syphilis and Chlamydia in people 55 years of age or older. According to a recent article in the Sun Sentinel, a South Florida newspaper . . . “a study conducted by sex researchers at Indiana University found that condom use was lowest among sexually active men over 50 years of age in the United States.”

Reduce the risk . . . practice safe sex. The chances of becoming infected with STDs can be greatly reduced by following a few simple guidelines:

• Have yourself tested for STDs before engaging in any sexual activity to make sure you are free of infection;
• Ask your partner if he or she has been tested, and is STD-free, before beginning a sexual relationship;
• Enjoy a monogamous relationship with a partner who is STD-free, and be faithful to each other;
• If a monogamous relationship is not right for you, observe proper precautions when having sex, and use a latex condom correctly, and each and every time you have sex. If you are allergic to latex, polyurethane condoms are a good alternative.

For additional information on STDs, go to:

http://www.std-education.com