The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported in 2013 that statistics are showing that more than half of the 19 million people infected each year with a sexually transmitted disease (STD) are between the ages of 15 -24. They are diagnosed with either HIV or other STDs making this a serious concern for parents, educators and the medical community.

STDs are dangerous and affect both males and females. They are caused by both bacteria and viruses and are worse for females because they are often asymptomatic, which means the diagnosis is often made after the disease has spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes. STDs can cause pelvic inflammatory disease which can lead to infertility. Studies are also showing that STDs can cause cervical cancer and genital warts.

While bacterial STDs can be treated and cured with antibiotics, the viral infections can only be prevented and treated (to some degree) but NOT cured.
Most sexually transmitted diseases can be treated if diagnosed early. For this reason, it is important that parents, medical professionals, and educators make sure to educate teenagers about prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of STDs.
STDs you get by having sex; genital intercourse or oral or anal intercourse with someone who already has a STD. There are two ways in which STDs are transmitted:

• The “discharge diseases” are transmitted by infected semen of vaginal fluids that contact mucosal surfaces such as the urethra, vagina or cervix. These STDs include HIV, as well as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis.
• The genital “ulcer diseases” are transmitted through contact with infected skin or mucosal surfaces, and these include genital herpes, syphilis, chancroid, and the human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV now has a vaccine.

What to do to prevent STDs:

• Any teenager, who is sexually active, should have regular check-ups for STDs, even if there are no symptoms.
• Parents and teenagers should know the symptoms of STDs.
• Talk with your teenager. Tell them that anal intercourse should be avoided, but the use of a condom is important if it is practiced.
• Douching should be avoided. It may increase the risk of getting some STDs because it removes protective bacteria that live in the vagina and are necessary for good health.
• STDs can be transmitted to a fetus, so treatment is necessary.
• A teenager, who has a STD, should notify all sexual partners and sexual activity should be avoided while being treated for any STD.

Talk to your teenager about practicing safe sex! Basic prevention includes using a condom, getting vaccinations (i.e. Hepatitis A & B, HPV), and understanding how infection is spread. Most importantly, have an open line of communication with your teenager. Make sure your sons or daughters know that they can talk with you about such personal issues and that you will be there to help.

For more information, check out the Sexual Risk Behavior Guidelines & Strategies provided by the CDC.

DISCLAIMER

Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.