Private MD News

CDC: Risky sexual behaviors on the decline

Category: HIV

Sexual behaviors related to the spread of HIV infection are declining, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The figures may have a beneficial effect on the number of people who receive positive HIV test results.

The study revealed that the number of women engaging in risky sexual behaviors decreased from 11 percent to 8 percent in 2010. The number dropped from 13 percent to 10 percent in men.

Risky sexual behaviors were defined as engaging in homosexual encounters, having multiple sex partners, offering sex for drugs or money, having sex with a partner who uses injection drugs or engaging in intercourse with someone who is already infected with HIV.

The report stated that reducing the number of people who are infected with HIV is one of the top public health goals. Limiting risky sexual behavior is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of HIV.

Furthermore, HIV testing may help individuals who have engaged in these risky sexual practices know if they have been infected, which the CDC considers to be another key to stopping the spread of the disease.