Research :: Topics/Issues

AIDS/STIs

2008 HIV/STI Fact Sheet (pdf)

It is estimated that 15 million new Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) cases occur in the United States each year. High rates of STIs continue to be common among adolescent populations. Teenagers and young adults are at higher risk for STIs and AIDS for multiple reasons, including having multiple sex partners and low condom usage. Teenagers also have biologically immature reproductive organs, making them more susceptible to infection than older adults.

A majority of sexually transmitted infections can be cured if detected and treated by a health professional. However, if left untreated these same STIs can cause serious, even fatal, consequences. Unfortunately, many STIs do not have obvious symptoms and most people do not know they are infected.

Online Resources for STIs and AIDS

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

Since AIDS was identified in the early 1980s, it has become a global epidemic. Internationally, millions of people have been infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS. As of June 2004, there have been almost 20,000 reported cases of HIV in South Carolina.

HIV infects the immune system and impairs the body's ability to fight infections. Once a person is infected with HIV, it slowly progresses to the disease known as AIDS. HIV is primarily spread through unprotected (without a condom) oral, anal, and vaginal sex, sharing needles, and from infected mothers to their babies during pregnancy and birth. HIV is not spread through casual contact such as shaking hands, hugging, and sharing eating utensils.

South Carolina Resources for HIV/AIDS

Online Resources: HIV/AIDS

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are the most commonly reported bacterial STIs in the United States. They are transmitted through unprotected oral, anal, or vaginal sex or from mother to child during birth. Symptoms from these infections tend to be very mild, however if left untreated, they can cause serious damage to the female reproductive organs. It is recommended that all sexually active women under the age of 25 be tested annually for STIs, including Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. Once diagnosed, both infections can be treated with antibiotics prescribed by a health care provider. Any sex partners should be treated as well to prevent re-infection.

Human Papillomaviurs (HPV) Infection

HPV is a virus with over 100 strains, more than 30 of which are sexually transmitted. Some strains are "high-risk" and, if left untreated, can lead to cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, and anus. Other strains of HPV can cause genital warts on both men and women and irregular Pap tests in women. HPV is extremely common, with over 6.2 million new infections each year. However, most people who become infected will have no symptoms and clear the infection on their own. Because of the prevalence and risks of HPV, it is highly recommended that all sexually active women receive a Pap test every year.

Online Resources for HPV