Changes in Sexual Behavior and Venereal Diseases

3 explanations have been given for the resurgence of venereal disease: 1) changes in the use of antibiotics and in the antibiotic susceptibility of pathogens; 2) changes in social controls and governmental regulations; and 3) changes in sexual behavior. Since 1957 gonorrhea has increased in the United States at a rate of 12% per year and infectious syphilis has followed a similar pattern. The most popular causal theory includes permissiveness as well as increasing sexual promiscuity and the use of the pill. None of the 3 postulates was proven by any of the studies cited. More research must be conducted to determine the nature of these variables had how they affect the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases.