Silent epidemic: STDs | Sex in the Suburbs

Published 2:36 pm Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Talk about sexually transmitted diseases much? I didn’t think so.

Yet, half of all sexually active young people will get a sexually transmitted disease or infection before age 25. Half of the 20 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases each year occur in people ages 15-24.

Clearly, we need to do more talking, thinking and acting about sexually transmitted diseases prevention.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, these diseases impact men and women in different ways. Women “disproportionately bear the long-term consequences of sexually transmitted diseases,” including infertility and infant mortality due to untreated disease.

April is STD Awareness month, and this April, women need to be especially aware of how sexually transmitted diseases affect them differently from men.

Women’s anatomy makes it easier for certain bacteria and viruses to penetrate and grow.

Women are less likely to have symptoms, visibly see the symptoms or recognize certain symptoms as a sexually transmitted diseases (as opposed to another infection).

Pregnant women can pass certain sexually transmitted diseases to their babies during pregnancy and delivery.

On the bright side, women do tend to see their doctors more often than men do.

It’s important to ask for sexually transmitted diseases testing, and to not assume it’s a normal part of your exam.

A Pap test does not screen for sexually transmitted diseases, only cervical cancer.

Early diagnosis of a sexually transmitted disease increases your ability to take action that will prevent serious health consequences. Many sexually transmitted diseases can be cured or treated to reduce symptoms.

If you are being treated for a sexually transmitted disease, it’s important to abstain from sexual behavior until your treatment is complete, and to use protection every time you engage in a behavior that can result in a disease.

“Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in women, and is the main cause of cervical cancer.”

Fortunately, there is a vaccine to prevent human papillomavirus for both men and women. Be sure to get your children vaccinated when their pediatrician recommends it.

Of course, abstaining from sexual activity is the most effective way to keep from acquiring a sexually transmitted disease. If you or someone you know is sexually active, or engaging in behaviors that can transmit infection, you need to be taking active preventative measures.

For more information about actions you can take to prevent yourself and your partner from a sexually transmitted disease, or get testing or treatment, you can contact your healthcare provider, or one of the following resources:

• 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636): Information about testing sites, and trained professionals to answer questions

• www.FindSTDTest.org: provides locations for HIV and sexually transmitted disease testing and vaccines in the U.S.

• www.cdc.gov/std: fact sheets on sexually transmitted diseases

• www.itsyoursexlife.com/stds-testing-gyt: information about sexually transmitted diseases, testing and talking to your partner

Amy Johnson, MSW, is a trainer, educator and coach in the Pacific Northwest. She is co-author of the books, “Parenting by Strengths: A Parent’s Guide for Challenging Situations” and “Homegrown Faith and Justice.” Amy facilitates classes and workshops in the Puget Sound area and online.  She specializes in working with parents and in sexuality education. Amy can be reached at comments@diligentjoy.com.