Updates to Choosing the Best PATH,
Student Manuals (Third Edition)

1. In mid-2006, a new vaccine for HPV was approved for use.  Therefore, Choosing the Best has added the following language on page 11 of the PATH Student Manual under the topic of HPV:
   
   “A new vaccine against HPV is currently available for females and protects against the strains of HPV that are the most common causes of cervical cancer and genital warts.  While the vaccine is expected to reduce rates of cervical cancer, it does not provide complete protection.  Sexually active females are still at risk.  Students should talk with their parents and doctors about this vaccine.”
   
   
2. According to a report released by the National Institutes of Health in 2001, many studies of HPV and condom use indicated that condoms did not provide protection against HPV.   However, in 2006, a new study was released which indicated that for consistent condom users, condoms provided some protection against HPV.  Therefore, on page 18, this language has changed from “Many studies show that condoms are not effective in protecting against HPV...” to say:
   
   “Studies also show that condoms are less effective in protecting against HPV...”
   
   The results of this study are also incorporated into the chart on page 19, in the portion of the chart which covers HIV/STD prevention of the male condom.  The phrase “not effective against HPV” has been removed.
   
   
3. At the bottom of page 10, the following sentence has been added: “Further, both partners must not participate in other high-risk activities (e.g. IV drug use).”
   
   
4. On page 11, in the chlamydia section, the first sentence which used to state “chlamydia is the most common…” has been changed to say “chlamydia is a common...”
   
   
5. On page 11, in the gonorrhea section, a sentence has been added which states “Gonorrhea, another common bacterial STD, infects 650,000 people in the U.S. each year.”
   
   
6. On page 11, in the HPV section, the first sentence which used to state “HPV is the most common...” has been changed to say “HPV is a common...” Also, in the last bullet point in this section, the sentence “Pap tests are important for detecting cervical cancer early, when it can be treated most effectively” has been added.
   
   
7. On page 12, in the genital herpes section, the first bullet has been reworded to say “Genital herpes is another common ________ STD. In the U.S., there are currently 1 million new infections each year, with over 45 million people currently infected, involving nearly one in every _____ people 12 years and older.”
   
   
8. On page 12, in the HIV section, the second bullet has been reworded to say “Approximately 40,000 Americans are newly infected with HIV per year. It is estimated that _______ of all new HIV infections are among young people under the age of 25.”

Please call 1-800-774-BEST (2378) with questions.