Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
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Many people view sex as casual recreation--until they are served
with the reality of a STD; then it's Game Over.
STDs (sometimes called STIs for sexually transmitted infections) are
infectious conditions that are passed from one person to another during
sexual activity. This occurs not only during vaginal intercourse, but
during other activity ranging from "deep" kissing to oral and anal sex.
STDs have reached epidemic proportions worldwide and can have
devastating lifelong effects on men, women, and children.
"STIs are critical global and national health priorities because of the
devastating impact on women and infants, and the inter-relationships
with HIV/AIDS. STIs can lead to infertility, tubal pregnancy, cervical
cancer, low birth weight, congenital/perinatal infections, other chronic
conditions such as neurosyphilis, and increased risk of HIV infection."
~ National Institutes of Health
"STDs are hidden epidemics of enormous health and economic
consequence in the United States. They are hidden because many
Americans are reluctant to address sexual health issues in an open way
and because of the biologic and social characteristics of these diseases."
~ Institute of Medicine as noted by the Centers for Disease Control
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Quick Facts about STDs
· There are more than 25 STDs.
· Some have cures, some do not, but all can do damage to your health.
Antibiotic resistance is increasing for those with cures.
· Adolescent females are more susceptible to STDs than others since
the cervix (opening to the uterus) is not fully matured.
· Condoms do not protect all of the time, and with some STDs, they
offer 0% protection.
· 60 million Americans are currently infected with an STD and 15 million
new cases of sexually transmitted infection occur each year
· One quarter of the new STD infections occur in people between 15
and 19, and two-thirds occur in those under the age of 25.
· Some STDs are silent or have delayed symptoms. You can not
necessarily tell if your partner has a deadly STD.
· Avoiding alcohol and drug use may help prevent transmission of STDs
because these activities lead to risky sexual behavior.
· Besides emotional trauma, discomfort, and expense for treatment,
STDs can cause a variety of problems. These include brain and heart
disorders, liver damage, cancer, future ectopic (tubal) pregnancies,
sterility, immune system breakdown, and even death.
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