Understanding Psychology (10th Ed)

acquired 
immune defi ciency syndrome (AIDS).
Although in the United States AIDS at 
fi rst was found primarily in gay men, it has spread to other populations, such 
as intravenous drug users and heterosexuals. In the United States, AIDS is the 
leading cause of death among men 25–44 years of age and the third leading 
cause of death among women in that age range. The worldwide fi gures are 
even more daunting: Already, 25 million people have died from AIDS, and 
people living with the disease number 33 million worldwide (Quinn & 
Overbaugh, 2005; UNAIDS, 2007).
The spread of AIDS is particularly pronounced among women, who now com-
prise almost half the cases worldwide. Younger women and women of color are 
particularly vulnerable. For instance, the rate of AIDS diagnosis is around 25 times 
higher for African-American women than for white women, and four times higher 
for Hispanic women (Quinn & Overbaugh, 2005). 
The extent of the AIDS epidemic has led to signifi cant changes in sexual behav-
ior. People are less likely to engage in “casual” sex with new acquaintances, and the 
use of condoms during sexual intercourse has increased. Nonetheless, the only fool-
proof method of avoiding AIDS is total abstinence—an alternative that many people 
fi nd unrealistic. However, there are several ways to reduce the risk of contracting 
AIDS as well as other sexually transmitted infections; these methods have come to 
be called “safer sex” practices (Carr, 2002):
• Know your sexual partner—well . Before having sex with someone, learn about 
his or her sexual history.
• Use condoms . For those in sexual relationships, condoms are the most reliable 
means of preventing transmission of the AIDS virus.
• Avoid the exchange of bodily fl uids, particularly semen. In particular, avoid anal 
intercourse. The AIDS virus can spread through small tears in the rectum, 
making anal intercourse without condoms particularly dangerous. Oral sex, 
once thought relatively safe, is now viewed as potentially dangerous.
• Stay sober. Using alcohol and drugs impairs judgment and can lead to poor 
decisions—and it makes using a condom correctly more diffi cult.
• Consider the benefi ts of monogamy. People in long-term, monogamous rela-
tionships with partners who have been faithful are at a lower risk of 
contracting AIDS.