The epidemiology of sexually transmitted diseases in the West

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) continue to increase in number throughout the world, as do the number of agents that are spread by the sexual route; the most recent new agent is the human immunodeficiency virus. Most countries do not have adequate control programs for STDs or training programs for physicians and nurses designated to look after patients. The diseases are associated with considerable morbidity and recently, with the advent of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, with considerable mortality.