Pages
480 - 483
Vocabulary
- Epidemic - The occurrence of more cases of a disease than expected.
- Asymptomatic - showing no signs of a disease or disorder even though an infection or disease is present
STDs
The Facts
- Each year 15 million Americans are infected with an STD, Teens are only 8 percent of the U.S. Population, although 25% of new STD cases are in teens between 15 and 19.
- STDs are a silent epidemic among teens and young adults,.
- Many STDs are asymptomatic (hence the silent epidemic)
- It is also called a silent epidemic due to the stigma about talking about STDs.
- Infected individuals with STDs are still capable of spreading the STD without them even knowing.
- STDs can have serious side effects like infertility or even death. So those who are sexually active should undergo regular testing or screening.
STDs and Teens
STD Risk Factors
- Sexual activity - only abstinence has 100% efficacy
- Having more than one sexual partner or a partner with more than one- more possible points of infection
- Using alcohol or drugs - can impair decision making leading contraction of STD
- Being a teen - body not equipped to handle infections as well as adults
- Being female - more mucous membrane area and more fluids received from partner
- Being female and a teen - cervix cells of teens are more susceptible to infection
STD Prevention
Follow
- Remain abstinent
- Stay away from controlling substances
- Self respect - less likely to succumb to pressure
- Be educated about STDs and the risks
- Surround yourself with positive friends