Sexually Transmitted Infections And Teen Pregnancy

What is HIV? Human Immunodeficiency Virus The virus that causes AIDS

True or False? HIV and AIDS are the same thing. FALSE!! * HIV is the virus and AIDS is the actual disease that is caused by the virus.

What does a person with HIV look like? He looks no different that you and me. The HIV virus has no symptoms that are visible to the naked eye. * HIV goes to work inside the body.

How is HIV transmitted? The number one form of transmission in males is from male to male sexual contact. The number two form of transmission in males is from IV drug use. * The number one form of transmission in females is from male to female sexual contact.

HIV Transfer The HIV virus can be transferred through the following fluids: * Male semen * Vaginal Fluids * Blood * Breast Milk

How does HIV affect you? The HIV virus targets your immune system. Over time, your immune system becomes so weak that it is virtually impossible to fight off common, every day germs. This leaves the individual susceptible to all kinds of diseases.

When does AIDS set in? When the total number of germ fighting cells gets below a certain number, the individual is now considered to have AIDS. The individual will now begin to show visual signs of the disease.

Symptoms of AIDS WEIGHT LOSS

Skin Lesions

Tongue Lesions

Open Soars

Skin Growths

STATISTICS According to the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an average of 40,000 to 80,000 new cases of HIV are reported each year in the U.S. It is estimated that half of all new infections are among people younger than 25.

STATISTICS Compared to the general population, adolescents have one of the fastest increasing rates of HIV infection; an average of two young people are infected with HIV every hour of every day.

STATISTICS Through December 2006, CDC statistics show 874,467 reported AIDS cases; 5,961 cases were among teenagers 13 to 19 years of age.

STATISTICS Among reported AIDS cases in adolescents 13 to 19 years of age, 50 percent occur in African Americans, 28 percent in Caucasians and 20 percent in Hispanics.

STATISTICS Each year one-quarter of the estimated 12 million new cases of STDs, other than HIV, in the U.S. occur among teenagers. *Adolescents 15 to 19 years old have some of the highest reported rates of gonorrhea and chlamydia among sexually active people.

Pregnancy Statistics More than 1 million American teenagers become pregnant each year – one of the highest rates of any western industrialized country.

Pregnancy Statistics One in eight women ages 15 to 19 become pregnant each year. Pregnancy among school-age youth can reduce completed levels of education, employment opportunities and marital stability, and can increase welfare dependency.

BIRTH CONTROL The number one method of birth control amongst American teens is condom use. On the average, condoms are 97% effective when used properly. Remember, each encounter increases your risk of failure. Would you lend money to somebody you didn’t know if there was a 3% chance you would not get it back?

NOTES At your age, your health, family and academic achievement should be your number one concern. There is absolutely no way you can allow yourself to risk these values by getting involved with somebody sexually. Let’s face it, the only people you really know are your family and close friends.

NOTES Please do not fall into the “I love you” trap. The only love you know at your age is the feeling of love that you have for your family. There is a 99% chance that the individual you call your boyfriend or girlfriend now, will not be a part of your life 4 years from now.

SAFE SEX ABSTINENCE ABSTINENCE ABSTINENCE The only 100% effective method of birth control is ABSTINENCE ABSTINENCE ABSTINENCE

Avoiding Your Urges Invite friends out with you and your boyfriend/girlfriend If out on a date, fill every time slot. Don’t leave any open slots. If you date, and it’s just the two of you, go to a public place. Avoid each other’s houses when parents are not home.