National Health Goals

Introduction

General Facts

• The healthy sexual experience can contribute to wellness in many ways.
• Decisions concerning sexual behavior have lifelong consequences.
• Unsafe sexual activity can result in disease, poor health, and much pain and suffering.

HIV/AIDS

• Of all STDs, HIV/AIDS poses the most significant health threat to the nation and the world.
• Women and minorities are populations in which the incidence of HIV/AIDS is increasing disproportionately.
• HIV attacks the immune system and can lead to AIDS.
• There are two mechanisms for most HIV transmissions.
• There is no cure for AIDS, but treatments have improved..
• The risk of acquiring HIV/AIDS is reduced if exposure to HIV and to the methods of transmission is avoided.
• Early detection is critical for controlling the spread of AIDS.
• There is no cure for AIDS but treatments have improved.
• Although drug therapies offer hope, they also contribute to a host of undesirable side effects.
• The search for a vaccine for HIV is well underway, though no vaccine is currently available.
• Many people with HIV do not know they are infected.

Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases

• STDs infect about 15 million people each year.
• Chlamydia is a common STI but it is often difficult to detect.
• Early detection is critical for effective treatment of gonorrhea.
• Hepatitis B is considered to be an STI.
• Of all STDs, genital herpes is among the most commonly spread because of a lack of awareness of infection.
• The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common STI in young people.
• Syphilis is another serious but less commonly contracted STI.
• Some lesser-known STDs are significant health problems.

Strategies for Action: The Facts

• The first step in prevention is to recognize risk; young people are especially at risk for STIs.
• College students are at risk for HIV and other STIs due to the practice of serial monogamy.
• Oral sex puts individuals at risk for STIs.
• The methods for preventing other STIs are the same as those for preventing HIV.
• Regular screening and notification of partners who may be infected can reduce the spread of STIs.
• Hotlines are available to help people who want information concerning STIs such as HIV/AIDS.

Web Resources

Suggested Readings