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Sexual Behavior and Psychological Aspects Associated with Sexually Transmitted Infections

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Sexually Transmitted Infections and Sexually Transmitted Diseases

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Abstract

While the incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is largely dependent on the distribution and prevalence of infection in the population, it is also important to consider the behavior of an individual and his or her partner(s), as well as their psychological state. The term “sexual behavior” encompasses many components including sexual experience and activity, age at sexual debut, current and lifetime number of sexual partners, frequency of sexual intercourse, consistency of sexual activity, mode of recruitment of sexual partners, duration of sexual relationships, and types of sexual practice. Some behaviors and practices that are associated with an increased risk of STIs include unprotected intercourse, receptive anal intercourse, having multiple and concurrent partners, and drug and alcohol use. Psychological factors, such as mood, mental health, and even personality types, may affect both risk of contracting STIs and presentation for and response to treatment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical School, Houston, TX, USA

    Amber R. Gill

  2. Center for Clinical Studies, Houston, TX, USA

    Parisa Ravanfar, Natalia Mendoza & Stephen K. Tyring

  3. Universidad El Bosque, Bogota, Colombia

    Natalia Mendoza

  4. Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA

    Stephen K. Tyring

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  1. Amber R. Gill
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  1. Klinik und Poliklinik für, Dermatologie und Venerologie, Universitätsklinikum Rostock, Strempelstraße 13-85, Rostock, 18057, Mecklenburg-Vorpomm., Germany

    Gerd E. Gross

  2. University of Texas Health Science Cente, 451 North Texas Avenue, Houston, 77598, Texas, USA

    Stephen K. Tyring

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Gill, A.R., Ravanfar, P., Mendoza, N., Tyring, S.K. (2011). Sexual Behavior and Psychological Aspects Associated with Sexually Transmitted Infections. In: Gross, G., Tyring, S. (eds) Sexually Transmitted Infections and Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-14663-3_3

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