STDs: The Hidden Epidemic An Epidemic of STDs in the US Throughout history people have been faced with epidemics. Def: many people in the same place have the same dz. Today in the United States, we are now facing an epidemic of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), also referred to as Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). An estimated 65 million people in the United States are living with an incurable STD. Many of these cases go undiagnosed and untreated.

STDs: The Hidden Epidemic Reasons for Lack of Diagnosis and Treatment Many people with STDs are asymptomatic—without symptoms. They do not seek treatment because they don’t know they are infected. Some people who suspect they have an STD may be too embarrassed to seek treatment. Even when STDs are diagnosed, they may not be reported to health departments so that contacts can be notified and treated.

STDs: The Hidden Epidemic 4 High-Risk Behavior and STDs Teens who are sexually active are likely to engage in one or more of the following high-risk behaviors: Being sexually active with more than one person Engaging in unprotected sex Selecting high-risk partners Using alcohol and other drugs

STDs: The Hidden Epidemic 1. Being Sexually Active with More than One Person This includes having a series of sexual relationships with one person at a time. However, being sexually active with even one partner puts a person at risk. Most teens are unaware of a partner’s past behavior and whether he or she already has an STD.

STDs: The Hidden Epidemic 2. Engaging in Unprotected Sex Barrier protection is not 100 percent effective in preventing the transmission of STDs, and it is not effective at all against HPV—the human papillomavirus. Abstinence from sexual activity is the only method that is 100 percent effective in preventing STDs.

STDs: The Hidden Epidemic 3. Selecting High-Risk Partners Such partners include those with a history of being sexually active with more than one person and those who have injected illegal drugs.

STDs: The Hidden Epidemic 4. Using Alcohol and Other Drugs Alcohol use can lower inhibitions. In a recent survey, more than 25 percent of teens who engaged in sexual activity had been under the influence of alcohol or drug use.

The Consequences of STDs How STDs Can Change the Course of Your Life Some are incurable. Some cause cancer. Some affect the ability to reproduce. Some can be passed from an infected female to her child before, during, or after birth.

The Consequences of STDs The Importance and Benefits of Abstinence Prevent exposure to STDs by practicing abstinence. Def: avoiding risks by not partaking in premarital sex, alcohol, or drugs. Use refusal skills to avoid situations in which you may be at risk. Choose friends who are abstinent and who support your decision to abstain.

Quick Review Provide a short answer to the question given below. Q. Identify three reasons why teens are at high risk for getting an STD. Click Next to view the answer.

Quick Review - Answer A. Teens are at high risk of getting an STD because teens who are sexually active are more likely to: Be sexually active with more than one person. Engage in unprotected sex. Select high-risk partners. Use alcohol and other drugs. Click Next to attempt another question.

Quick Review Provide a short answer to the question given below. Q. Explain the relationship between alcohol and other drugs and substances used by adolescents and the role these substances play in unsafe situations such as HIV/STDs. Click Next to view the answer.

Quick Review - Answer A. Alcohol or drug use can lower inhibitions, resulting in teens taking risks. Click Next to attempt another question.

Q. How are refusal skills related to STD prevention? Quick Review Provide a short answer to the question given below. Q. How are refusal skills related to STD prevention? Click Next to view the answer.

A. Abstinence, a refusal skill, prevents infection with an STD. Quick Review - Answer A. Abstinence, a refusal skill, prevents infection with an STD. Click Next to attempt another question.

Quick Review Provide a suitable analysis. Explain and discuss why abstinence from sexual activity is the only method that is 100 percent effective in preventing STDs.