Some infectious diseases such as the flu can be transmitted through actions as simple as a handshake of sharing a fork. Other infectious diseases are not so easily spread. STD’s are infectious diseases spread from person to person through direct sexual contact.

I. Health Concepts: *STD’s are spread from person to person primarily by means of direct sexual contact (Oral, Anal, Vaginal) *Although transmission rates of STD’s have steadily declined, the problem remains an epidemic in the U.S. *The only sure way to avoid contracting or spreading an STD is by abstaining from sexual activity & other high risk behaviors.

II. STD’s “ The Silent Epidemic” -At the turn of the century, this country faced an epidemic of Typhoid Fever, caused by bacteria infested water. -Health officials intervened & the Typhoid epidemic was wiped out. -Today our country faces a new epidemic: STD’s -13 million new cases reported each year. -Even more alarming: the number of unreported cases. -This is because of the social stigma (mark of shame). -For this reason, STD’s are referred to as the “silent Epidemic”

III. STD’s And Adolescents -A common myth surrounding STD’s: they are not a problem among teenagers. -Truth: 2/3 of all STD cases occur in adolescents & young adults. -The CDC found: 1 in 4 sexual active teens will contract an STD before graduating High School. -Sexually active teens exhibit one or more of the following behaviors; *Have more than 1 sexual partner rather than committing to a single long-term relationship.

III. STD’s & Adolescents Cont: *Engage in unprotected sex. *Select high risk partners with a history of multiple sex partners or intravenous drug use.

IV. Effects OF STD’s -Can cause sterility, the inability to reproduce. -Infants born to infected mother can suffer blindness & deformities. -Some STD’s are incurable. Individuals must live with painful genital sores for the rest of their lives. (herpes simplex I & II, HIV/Aids, PID=pelvic inflammatory disease, irreversible damage, hepatitis C or B). -Are at a greater risk of cancer. -Some STD’s such as Aids are fatal.

V. Practicing Abstinence -Being informed with facts about STD’s can help you avoid behaviors that lead to infection. -A clear cause-and-effect relationship exists between sexual intercourse and STD’s. -Sexual activity is the cause; an STD is the effect. -If you have sexual contact with an infected person, you will be at a higher risk of contracting an STD. -Remaining abstinent will allow you to focus more clearly on goals for the future. -More & more teens are learning about the realities of STD’s and practicing abstinence.