STI Information for Teenagers

Sunday, November 19, 2017

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). (2017, November 17). Retrieved November 19, 2017, from https://www.cdc.gov/std/
Carroll, J. L. (2015). Sexuality Now: Embracing Diversity. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth CENGAGE Learning.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). (n.d.). Retrieved November 19, 2017, from http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/dtopics/stds/index.html

Taking all of this information about STI's into consideration, it is clear that preventing them from happening in the first place is ideal.
Abstinence is one of the most reliable ways to prevent STI's but it is not always realistic for people, so other forms of preventive measures may be necessary.
Condom use that is consistent and done correctly, can help prevent STI's.
It is also helpful to choose to be in a monogamous relationship. Open and honest communication is crucial.

As of 2012, there have been 1,422,976 cases of chlamydia reported (CDC.gov)
Adolescents and young adults tend to have higher rates of chlamydia.
Women are reported to have the infection more than men, and different racial groups have found to have different chlamydia rates.

Unlike HPV, Chlamydia is a treatable STI.
Antibiotic medication such as Azithromycin are commonly used to treat Chlamydia.
When taken as directed, the medication will eliminate the infection.

Common symptoms include a burning sensation when urinating, as well as abnormal discharge from a penis or vagina.
Chlamydia is able to infect the following: penis, cervix, vagina, anus, urethra, eye or even throat. (Carroll 2016).

Chlamydia is a common bacterial-linked STI.
It can be spread through sexual contact such as vaginal/anal intercourse, or oral sex.

HPV is actually the most common STI that most people will encounter at some point in there life.
According to the CDC, "About 79 million Americans are currently infected with HPV and about 14 million people become newly infected each year".