STIs: Sexually Transmitted Infections
SAFE SEX?
STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) are an epidemic in America. Spread by all sexual contact, including oral sex, vaginal, and anal sex, the diseases have put young people at risk for permanent harm.
Increasingly, the term "STI" (Sexually Transmitted Infection) is being used to replace "STI". Why? It's politically correct. But don't let the different term fool you – you can be infected with a STI and have the same consequences as a STI. Don't let a word make you think you're less at risk – they are both the same as far as your body is concerned.
A rapidly increasing number of youth ages 15-24 in Butte County are unknowingly spreading sexually transmitted diseases, often unaware of their potentially devastating consequences. It's critical to realize that infections can lead to heartbreaking infertility, a painful virus for life, cervical cancer, higher risk for HIV and more. Without regular screening, infections often go undetected.
When infection rates are soaring as they are now, a cycle begins: The larger the pool of STI carriers, the more likely it is for someone to become infected.
Young people under 24 account for more than three-quarters of STI cases.
With half the sexually active students at Chico State University carrying herpes, and a 75% increase of new cases of Chlamydia in Butte County since 2002, the only sure way to be absolutely safe is to remain abstinent until marriage. The biggest risk of being infected is the number of sexual partners you have. And the earlier you become sexually active, the more likely you are to suffer from increased rates of infection.
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) predicts that half of all sexually active adults in the United States will contract HPV at some point in their lifetime. The Human Papilloma Virus causes genital warts and 90% of all cervical cancer. This is a life long virus that can never be cured. It can be spread by skin to skin contact in the genital area …areas not covered by a condom.
C. Everett Koop, former U.S. Surgeon General, said, "When you have sex with someone, you're having sex with everyone they've had sex with for the last 10 years… and everyone they and their partner have had sex with for the past 10 years."
It is crucial that you know your STI facts and risks. This can save your life.
Visit The Medical Institute or www.4Parents.gov (STI Charts) to learn specific additional information on STIs; how you get it, how you spread it, the symptoms, the long term consequences, prevention and treatments.
If you're not responsible for your sexual health… who is?