While no parent wants to imagine their teenager having sexual intercourse, the statistics show otherwise. Unfortunately, there are an estimated 19 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) every year in the United States. To make sure that they do not become a part of this statistic, teenagers have to learn the facts about STDs.
1. The Young Account for Most of the Cases
Out of the 19 million cases of sexually transmitted diseases each year, nearly half of them are among 15- to 24-year-olds. More than half of people across the globe will become infected with an STD at some point in their lifetime. Among teenagers infected with STDs, 15 percent were infected with more than one. Unfortunately, there are more than 25 known STDs that individuals can contract. Since 1980, more than eight new diseases have been identified. The most common STDs include gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), pubic lice, syphilis and trichomoniasis.
2. Women Are at a Higher Risk
While both genders may engage with similar numbers of sexual partners, women are at a higher risk. This is because it is easier to tear the vaginal lining and transmit an infection. Unfortunately, it is also harder to detect many common STDs in women.
3. Many Infections Cannot Be Cured
While it is possible to manage and treat many STDs, many of them cannot actually be cured. Bacterial diseases like syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea can be treated with antibiotics. Recently, a new drug was also developed that can treat hepatitis C. Currently, viral STDs such as HIV, herpes, hepatitis B and HPV can only be managed. At the moment, there is no way to cure these diseases.
Unfortunately, this is made worse by the way that some diseases function. Some infections like chlamydia can be asymptomatic. This means that some individuals may be infected, but are completely unaware of it. It can take up to 10 years for individuals to develop HIV symptoms. There are also some symptoms that overlap with conditions like urinary tract infections or yeast infections. Even if the individual does not have any symptoms, they can still spread the disease.
4. Diseases Can Spread Through Oral Sex
There is a popular myth that oral sex is safer than other types of sex. Actually, unprotected oral sex can increase the individual’s chances of developing herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis and hepatitis B. It is important to use condoms whenever the individual has oral sex. Anal, vaginal and oral sex can all spread STDs. Any semen, blood or vaginal fluid contact can enter the body through any tiny cuts that the fluid touches.
5. Untreated STDs Can Be Devastating
Some teenagers do not worry about STDs like chlamydia because they are less deadly than a disease like HIV. Unfortunately, these diseases can still cause serious health complications. They can increase the individual’s chances of developing liver disease, pelvic inflammatory disease or cervical cancer. Left untreated, they can lead to infertility. In addition, these STDs can transfer to the baby if the mother was infected. Untreated syphilis, HIV or hepatitis can also result in death.
For kids to be protected from STDs, they have to know the risks. Learning how to practice safe sex can reduce the teenager’s chances of developing a sexually transmitted disease. When it comes to illness, prevention is always better than treatment.
