Research Triangle Park, NC - February 14th is National Condom Day, and the American Social Health Association (ASHA) urges Americans to Get Passionate About Prevention! "Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) remain one of nation's biggest public health threats, and it is high time that we as a nation we get serious, get passionate about addressing the problem," says James R. Allen, MD, MPH, ASHA's President & CEO.
Here are the facts:
- Every year, there are approximately 15 million new cases of STDs
- More than 65 million people in the US are living with a chronic STD such as herpes or HPV.
- Two-thirds of all STDs occur in people 25 years of age or younger.
- One in four new STD infections occur in teenagers.
- At least one in four Americans will contract an STD at some point in their lives.
- At least 15 percent of all infertile American women are infertile because of tubal damage resulting from an untreated STD.
- Each year it costs more than $8 billion to diagnose and treat STDs and their complications.
"Research continues to demonstrate that condoms, used consistently and correctly, are one of the best tools in the prevention of STDs, including HIV," asserts Allen. Despite this fact, many suggest that abstinence and monogamy are the only responsible messages. "Too often, arguments of morality get in the way of sound public health practice. With more than 15 million new cases of STD infections each year, we must access every available option to stem the tide of this epidemic. Humans are sexual beings. Abstinence and monogamy are important public health messages, but to think that messages of abstinence and monogamy alone will fix the problem is shortsighted at best, and dangerous at worst," states Allen.
Much of the debate centers on whether condoms are protective against genital human papillomavirus (HPV), an infection that in some cases can lead to cervical cancer. ASHA and several leading public health organizations recently joined forces in support of a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that called for reducing cervical cancer incidence and deaths by increasing Pap test screening among women. The report suggested that there is sound evidence that condom use may actually reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
Get Passionate About Prevention! reflects ASHA's commitment to continued education and health policy efforts. On National Condom Day ASHA encourages everyone to learn more about their risk of STD infection and to get the facts on condom use. Information about condoms and their role in reducing the risk of STDs (including HIV), preventing pregnancy, and the facts about STDs are available on several web sites, including those of the ASHA, and www.iwannaknow.org (for teens); the National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association, , and the National Coalition of STD Directors.
ASHA has been dedicated to improving the health of individuals, families, and communities, with a focus on preventing sexually transmitted diseases and their harmful consequences for 90 years. ASHA delivers accurate, reliable health information to millions of people worldwide via hotlines, state-of-the-art web sites, responsive e-mail services and a variety of education programs.
