Be Aware of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Millions of American teens have sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). These diseases cause serious health problems. Some can be difficult to cure and one AIDS is fatal even with treatment.

STDs strike teens in our smallest towns and biggest cities. They strike teens from our richest and poorest neighborhoods. They strike females and males. In other words, they can strike teens like you and your friends. The best way to protect yourself is to become aware of STDs and how to reduce your risk of contracting one.

THE CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF STDS

STDs are illnesses that are passed from one person to another by sexual intercourse or other intimate contact. As such, they are infectious diseases. That means they are caused by organisms that invade the body.

Many common STDs such as syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia infections are caused by different types of bacteria. Viruses are responsible for several other types of STDs including genital herpes, genital warts and AIDS, which is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

STDs can permanently damage a person's health. Females who aren't treated and cured may never be able to have children. Certain STDs can be passed to the fetus during pregnancy and birth. Some STDs can cause a lifetime of health problems or even death.

CAN STDS BE CURED?

Many STDs can be cured, but others cannot. Antibiotics are very effective against STDs caused by bacteria. A few others caused by fungi and parasites also respond well to treatment. On the other hand, STDs caused by viruses can't be cured. Current treatments can only help control symptoms or prevent recurrences.

AVOIDING STDS

The only way to be absolutely sure you won't contract a STD is to abstain entirely from sex. You simply won't catch a STD if you don't have sex.

Waiting to have sex until you're older can reduce your chances of contracting a STD. One reason for this is obvious. The longer you postpone becoming sexually active, the longer you avoid any risk. There are other reasons, however. There may be a buildup of resistance over time so that older women may be less susceptible to certain STDs like chlamydia. In addition, some of the more severe complications of STDs in women such as fallopian tube infection and infertility are less common after age 20 than in the teen years.

If you are sexually active, you can't completely eliminate the risk of contracting a STD. There are a number of things that substantially reduce the risk of infection, however. One of the most important ones is to know that your partner is free of STDs. Then the two of you must maintain a mutually monogamous relationship. That means neither one of you has sex with anyone else.

One of the simplest and most important rules for avoiding STDs is to limit the number of sexual partners you have. The more partners you have, the more likely you are to come into contact with an infected partner and the more likely you are to become infected yourself.

It's also important to know which sexual activities create the greatest risk of contracting a STD and to avoid them. If you're going to be sexually active with anyone other than a faithful partner who's not infected, study the "Safer Sex" box and avoid the risky activities. Notice the importance of using latex condoms for every type of sexual intercourse. When used with the spermicide nonoxynol-9, they offer good protection against most serious STDs.

KNOW AND LOOK FOR SYMPTOMS

If there's even the slightest chance you could have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease, you need to be aware of and look for the symptoms. Symptoms of some of the most common types of STDs are listed in the chart at the end of this leaflet. Some of the most common symptoms are sores and blisters on or near the sex organs or mouth; unusual discharges from the penis or vagina; itches, rashes and bumps on the sex organs and other parts of the body; and burning pain during urination. But symptoms of some STDs are mild and may go unnoticed.

IF YOU SUSPECT YOU HAVE A STD

If you have the slightest suspicion that you or your partner have a STD, seek medical attention immediately. When diagnosed early and dealt with promptly, most STDs can be treated. Contact your personal doctor, county health department or a Planned Parenthood affiliate. Don't let embarrassment prevent you from seeking prompt treatment. Minors can be checked without parental consent.

You can also call the National STD Hotline at 1-800-227-8922. The hotline provides basic information about STDs and can refer you to the closest public health clinic for diagnosis and treatment.

If you are diagnosed with a STD, you'll need to do the following:

• Tell your sexual partner(s) to get tested immediately.
• If you don't want to do it yourself, ask your health-care professional to contact them.
• Abstain from all sexual activity until your health-care provider says it's safe.
• Follow instructions and prescriptions exactly. Be sure to have a follow-up examination to see if the treatment is working.

INTEGRITY AND STDS

As you can see, STDs are a serious problem for American teens. Teens like yourself can be part of the solution. You can begin by sharing the information in this leaflet with your friends. You can abstain from sex. You can avoid those sexual activities that place both you and your partner at risk. Don't be embarrassed to do these things. They are a sign that you are acting responsibly. They are a sign of sexual integrity.

AUTHOR: Gary L. Hansen, Ph.D., Extension Specialist in Sociology, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Kentucky; and William W. Mallory, Fayette County Extension Agent for 4-H/Youth Development, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Kentucky.