Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and abortions--the present situation for medical care of sexually transmitted diseases in Sweden.

In Sweden, the high numbers of infections with Chlamydia trachomatis and human papillomavirus and the threat of human immunodeficiency virus has been the origin of an ongoing change in the care for people with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). This is based on the view that traditional STDs, HIV, and abortions are different consequences of the same thing--unprotected intercourse--so prevention of one means prevention of the others and they should always be considered together. There is a growing understanding that epidemiological aspects of STD have to be improved. To attain these goals, new measures are taken at different levels. Central organization committees are created in the counties for the management of STD care. Youth clinics are given better resources. A new kind of department for problems related to sexuality is developed with contributions primarily from gynecology and venereology. The well-established Swedish tradition for sex education is reinforced.