Sexually Transmitted Diseases: It’s a Real Threat

Most people just believe that sexually transmitted diseases can’t happen to them. Ask someone from the lower socio-economic group, they will say it only happens amongst the rich and ask the rich, they will say it only happens amongst the poor. In reality, STDs can happen to any sexually active person.

In fact, with the average age of becoming sexually active fast reducing, there has been an increased need to spread awareness amongst post-puberty teenagers as well.

So how early is early?

According to estimates, on an average, more than third of youngsters are sexually active before they are 16 and the rest usually get into sexual relationships by the time they are 17. While most people might preach self-respect, control and values, the chance of STDs doesn’t reduce by just that. The need to use condoms is a big necessity and young people should be made aware of the need for contraceptives as well- especially women.

Does that mean handing out condoms to children?

Let’s face it; kids today grow up doubly fast as compared to previous generations. Blame it on television, internet or anything else; there is no denying the fact that they are more aware of a lot of things that the older lot had no clue of in their teens. Since there is no real way of changing that, it is best that children are made aware sexually and taken to sexual health clinics regularly. Teaching them to carry condoms is one of the best things to do avoid STDs. In fact, there have been talks about handing out condoms to scouts in case they are sexually active.

So are we talking about HIV AIDS?

No, we are not talking about HIV AIDS alone. Yes, it is the most threatening STD out there, but in reality, there are a lot of other infections as well, which, unlike AIDS are curable but equally life threatening. Take for example Gonorrhoea, which has become the most widespread STD in the world. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 700,000 people suffer from Gonorrhoea annually in the United States alone. And the highest number of cases is reported amongst the 15-24 year old age bracket.

Get yourself tested: know when you contract an STD

The best thing to ensure that you are not suffering from STDs is to get yourself tested on a regular basis. Statistics show that 50 per cent of sexually active people get an STD by age 25 and most don’t even realize it. The symptoms for Gonorrhoea are quite similar to urinary tract infections, so most people just ignore it.

Men experience a burning irritation while urinating and discharge a mucus-like discharge from the penis accompanied by pain and swelling in the testicles. Women also experience similar symptoms, but can also prone to vaginal bleeding beyond their menstrual cycle.

How to get yourself tested?

Planned Parenthood organizes “Get Yourself Tested” camps all across the United States. People can walk in through April and get themselves tested for STDs for free. It’s not a blood test, just swabs and the test results hardly take half an hour. CDC recommends that sexually active people should test for STDs on a regular basis, use condoms and be sure about their sexual partners.