As the Valentine’s Day has arrived, while enjoying the romantic atmosphere, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) reminds the public to practice safe sex to prevent HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

STDs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to infertility. Further, more and more new HIV/AIDS cases are seen in young people. According to the statistics compiled by Taiwan CDC, the number of new HIV/AIDS cases reported among people aged 15-24 in 2011 increased by 15% since 2010. More than 90% of the new cases became infected through sexual behaviors. Taiwan CDC reminds that using recreational drugs at sex parties might not only increase the risk of becoming infected with HIV/AIDS and other STDs, but also cause many other organic damages.

According to the poll on condom usage conducted by Taiwan CDC in December, 2011, the number of people aged 15-59 who used a condom during their first sexual intercourse is on the rise, which shows that most men have adopted condom use.

Taiwan CDC urges the public not to engage in sex with someone whose sexual history is unknown to prevent contracting HIV/AIDS and STDs. Refuse any sexual contact with sex partners if they fail to guarantee safety, and if they refuse to take any preventive measures against HIV/AIDS and STDs. Moreover, people are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors under the influence of illicit drugs, especially when they are in an arousing atmosphere and the power of self-control and self-defense is diminished, thus exposing themselves to the risk environment for HIV/AIDS transmission. Taiwan CDC urges the public to participate in healthy and legal activities, and refrain from having unprotected sex. To encourage STD patients to seek prompt treatment, Taiwan CDC has recommended a list of STD friendly clinics and physicians specialized in urology, dermatology, family medicine, infectious disease and obstetrics and gynecology, which is available on the following website: http://www.cdc.gov.tw/mp.asp?mp=220. For more information, please call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline, 1922, or 0800-024582 if calling from a cell phone, or visit the Taiwan CDC’s website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw.