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Looking for answers to why older people continue to catch STDs
Date: 2013-04-01 00:00:00

It's become increasingly clear in the past few years that older individuals may not understand the risk of developing sexually transmitted diseases and the need to use STD testing services, just like their younger counterparts. Baby boomers and even those who are aged 70 or older are still sexually active, and the rate of STDs is rising in these populations. Recently, The New York Times published an article searching for answers as to why boomers are contracting STDs at surprisingly high rates.

The news source explained that the number of individuals over the age of 50 seeking treatment for STDs and HIV has risen, and in 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found more than 22,000 cases of chlamydia in people between the ages of 45 and 64. Furthermore, there were more than 12,000 cases of gonorrhea in these individuals, and 2,600 incidences of syphilis.

Why is this happening? ... Full Story

CDC report highlights the serious problem of STDs among American youth
Date: 2013-04-05 00:00:00

While it's no secret that young individuals have the highest risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, they may not understand just how staggering the scope of this problem is among America's youth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released a report showing that of the 20 million STDs diagnosed each year, 50 percent of them are found in people between the ages of 15 and 24. Furthermore, many individuals in this age group don't utilize STD testing services, so many of them may not even know that they have an infection or virus.

The CDC reported that of the estimated 820,000 cases of gonorrhea each year, 70 percent were found in people between the ages of 15 and 24, and of the 2.9 million chlamydia cases, 64 percent affected individuals in this age range.

The danger is real ... Full Story

Mississippi experiencing high gonorrhea and chlamydia rates
Date: 2013-04-08 00:00:00

While sexually transmitted diseases are a concern in all parts of the country, individuals who live in Mississippi, in particular, should make sure that they have access to STD testing services. According to a recent report conducted by the Mississippi Department of Health, the state had the second highest rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea in the U.S. in 2011, which are the most recent figures available. These findings should encourage Mississippi residents to practice safer sex and get tested for these infections.

Not surprisingly, health officials found that the majority of these infections are found in people under the age of 30. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while individuals under the age of 25 make up only 25 percent of the sexually active population, they account for 50 percent of all new STD infections in the U.S. each year.

A preventable problem... Full Story

Women with HIV may not get proper protection from HPV vaccines
Date: 2013-04-08 00:00:00

Sexually active individuals in non-monogamous relationships should seek out STD testing services to protect against infections, particularly because the presence of one condition may increase the risk of another.

For example, a recent study conducted by researchers from the Fox Chase Cancer Center has found that women with HIV have a higher risk than others of contracting the types of HPV that can cause cancer, and current HPV vaccines do not protect against these strains of the virus.

Many strains ... Full Story

Study confirms the safety of IUDs
Date: 2013-04-09 00:00:00

While there are several forms of contraceptives that can help protect against pregnancy, only condoms can reduce the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease. This is why women who use other types of contraceptives like the birth control pill or an intrauterine device should be sure to regularly use STD testing services to make sure that they do not have an infection or virus. In the past, there had been some speculation regarding whether IUDs are safe for teenagers to use. According to a recent study - the answer is yes.

Researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston discovered that despite long-standing concerns, teenagers can use IUDs as safely as adults can.

Debunking myths... Full Story

Survey shows parents are increasingly reluctant to give daughters HPV vaccine
Date: 2013-04-11 00:00:00

There is an increased need for STD testing services for young people, especially since the rates of these infections and viruses continue to increase among this population, and many people seem to be reluctant to participate in activities that may protect against them. For example, a recent study conducted by researcher from the Mayo Clinic showed that a growing number of parents said they will not have get their daughters vaccinated to protect against the human papillomavirus, despite doctor's recommendations.

The researchers discovered that although a growing number of doctors have been calling for all young girls to receive the HPV vaccine, more than two out of five parents surveyed said they believe the shot is unnecessary, and they are concerned about side effects.

Parents remain unsure ... Full Story

Dating websites for people with STDs gain in popularity
Date: 2013-04-12 00:00:00

Having a sexually transmitted disease can get very complicated because it not only affects a person's health, it can also be a source of embarrassment. Some STDs, like herpes, cannot be cleared with a simple shot or pill, and people will have to inform all future sexual partners of their condition. However, passing an STD on to someone is even more embarrassing than telling them you have one, and may put someone's life at risk, which is why people should regularly utilize STDS testing services.

To avoid this uncomfortable conversation, more people are seeking out sexual partners who have the same STD as they do. Recently, WFMY News, a North Carolina news source, reported that there has been an increase in specialty dating websites geared toward people with STDs.

Seeking others with STDs... Full Story

Researchers explain how to encourage teens to use contraceptives
Date: 2013-04-15 00:00:00

Over the years, doctors, nurses, community leaders and parents alike have all struggled to determine the best way to encourage young people to be safe about sexual activity. This means encouraging them to practice abstinence or use contraceptives that protect against unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, and to use STD testing services. Recently, researchers from the New York University Silver School of Social Work and its Center for Latino Adolescent and Family Health released a report of 12 evidence-based principles that they believe healthcare professionals can use to encourage teens to practice safer sex.

According to the researchers, their goal was to create counseling recommendations that are based on taking everything about adolescents into mind - from their developing brains to the nature of their romantic relationships.

Teens are different... Full Story

There needs to be more discussion about STDs
Date: 2013-04-23 00:00:00

It's time for Americans to have a real discussion about sexually transmitted diseases - what their symptoms are, how people get them, how to prevent them and the importance of using STD testing services. Recently Yahoo! News published an article on how popular culture seems to be very comfortable with talking about the youth "hook up" culture, but not about STDs, and the potential dangers this poses to public health.

The news source cited a recent episode of a television show that is popular among many people under the age of 30, specifically the way that this show treated the subject of herpes. The show stigmatized having the STD and portrayed it as something that people get because they are being promiscuous. However, in reality, estimates show that about half of all people will contract an STD before the age of 25, and this can come as the result of just one unprotected sexual encounter, it doesn't take many.

Importance of discussion... Full Story