STD Answers

The statistics for the number of reported STDs are overwhelming. Being aware of your sexual health is important to protect yourself against other health issues that emerge from STDs.

How do you protect yourself against STDs

• The number one way to protect you from STDs is to abstain from sexual contact. There are a number of couples that are in romantic relationships, however choose to abstain from sexual contact. They have many reasons for doing this, and no matter what the reason, it is the best way to protect you against STDs.

• Another way to avoid STDs is to get to know your partner. Talk about STDs. Communicate your sexual history , if you have been tested, and how long ago. The risk of STDs is much less for those that talk openly about their sexual health and history, and get tested on a regular basis.

• Developing monogamous relationships, and both partners being tested before any sexual contact, may also help protect you against STDs. Those with multiple partners run a higher risk of being infected.

• Using a condom or dental dam for all sexual contact (vaginal, oral, or anal) may also help protect you against STDs.

Being aware of your sexual health is key. STDs can cause other health issues, so make sure you are aware of how STDs work and their symptoms. Also remember there are STDs that show symptoms at all, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea,  so if you have multiple partners or have unprotected sex,  get tested on a regular basis. Protect yourself and your partner.

STD Testing in school?

Manchester, CT may be about to lay ground work for a controversial precedence for STD testing. Health officials are backing an educational program for high school students that will offer classes on abstinence and safe sex along with free in school STD testing.

Examiner.com of Hartford reports the goals of the program are to reduce the number of STDs in high school students. They are particularly focused on Chlamydia and gonorrhea, which are the two most common STDs reported.  “Currently, statistics on the state health department’s website show 199 chlamydia cases in Manchester in 2005 and 250 cases in 2009.” The program would offer students a way to test for STDs in a confidential setting, as well as educate about safe sex practices.

There was a pilot study conducted last spring that was presented to high school sophomores. State health officials would like to continue the program. Parents to have the opportunity to not allow their children to participate in the abstinence and safe sex classes offered, however, by state law, an STD test can already be done without parental consent. The noninvasive STD testing would be offered in the nurse’s office on a walk in basis.

Young Adults

Talking about STDs and sexual health may be viewed as “taboo” in today’s society; however, former U.S. Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders opened up publically about young people and the lack of sex education in the nation.

STD and Sex education

Joycelyn Elders was quoted by usaeu.net as saying the lack of education about STDs (and other effects of  sex) among young people is “deafening.” “The country is paying a very heavy price for not educating our young people.” She also indicated that abstinence-only sex education programs are not working by adding “abstinence-only programs that do not teach contraception will not solve the issue.”

Usaeu.net states that young people that participate in sexual activity do so without sufficient knowledge of potential consequences, such as STDs. They also point out that education may prevent unplanned pregnancy as well as reducing the spread of STDs among young people. Sexual education may help protect their sexual and reproductive health. More discussion about STDs and sexual health may be necessary.

Educating yourself about STDs

Take care of your sexual health, and educate yourself about STDs. Be your own advocate!

With confidentiality among one of the main concerns with the younger generation, receiving adequate testing and care for an STD may seem overwhelming. With many over-the-counter testing kits out there, testing for STDs in the privacy of your own home may be a better choice for some.

Identigene offers STD testing for Chlamydia and gonorrhea, which are among the most common STDs in America today. Identigene STD testing kits can be purchased at walmart.com, and offers privacy and confidentiality.

When it comes to sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, we tend to spend a lot of time focusing on the younger, less inhibited generation. We don’t think about STDs being a problem for our grandparent’s generation. Older adults do run a risk of becoming infected, and transmitting STDs.

The older generation

About.com posted information written by Dr Elizabeth Boskey about the risks of STDs among older adults. Dr. Boskey explains why older adults may be in more danger of contracting an STD than the younger generation of individuals 15-24 years of age.

1. Lack of screening for STDs or other sexual problems runs a higher risk of an STD being unnoticed and causing other health problems.
2. Once menopause occurs, the vaginal tissue in women thins and there is not as much natural lubrication. This increases the risk of being infected with STDs.
3. The older generation is less likely to use condoms. This may be because they don’t believe they are at risk, or because they don’t have the advantage of education that the younger generation has access to now days.
4. As we get older the immune system becomes less effective, and this puts older adults at higher risk for STDs.

Sexual habits in older adults run risk of STDs

Dr. Bosky indicates that 60% of people over the age of 60 are sexually active. They are having sex less often than the younger generations, however, they are at risk of being infected with an STD and not realizing this because the symptoms of STDs can be masked by signs of ageing, if symptoms show at all. Dr. Bosky states the number of HIV cases being reported is growing faster in individuals 50 years of age and older, than numbers for those 40 years of age and younger, based on reports from the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

STD studies often overlook the older generation. However, STDs don’t choose their victims based on age, nationality, or gender. You are never too old to take care of your sexual health.

How much do you know about STDs?

How much do women really know about Chlamydia and the damage it can cause? Chlamydia is one of the most common STDs being reported in today’s society.

Suite101 indicates sexually active women don’t know much about STDs, or their effects. Chlamydia, if left untreated, may cause health issues such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or even infertility.

Suite101 comments on an article published in the Journal of Women’s Health, where the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports on a study that asserts the majority of women in the study were not aware of the symptoms of Chlamydia, and often have unprotected sex. Chlamydia is an STD that may not show symptoms, so if you are infected you may not know it. However, if symptoms are present, for women they are abnormal vaginal discharge, burning sensation when urinating, lower abdominal pain, low back pain, nausea, fever, pain during sex, or bleeding between periods (for men symptoms would be a discharge from the penis, burning sensation when urinating, or burning/itching sensation around the opening of the penis). Awareness of Chlamydia, its symptoms, and its threats may help women to be more aware of their sexual health, and get tested for STDs on a regular basis.

Where are women getting information about STDs?

According the CDC study, many indicated they received their information about STDs from their  physicians (although many also stated it was difficult to speak with their physician for reasons such as the doctor is rushed, family members were present, or their doctor is male), and from friends and family (who may not be fully educated themselves).

How to get STD information to women

According to Suite101 the authors of the CDC study suggest the information super highway…the internet. This may be a good way to get information out about STDs to those who need it. With the convenience of getting the information in the privacy of your own home, it may also give women the opportunity to speak with health care professionals in a more anonymous way. This may help women become more open talking about STDs, and help in the prevention of spreading STDs.

Self Awareness

STDs are common in today’s society, and are being passed through sexual contact at a frightening pace. Many believe today’s younger generation is more expressive and less intimidated when it comes to sex. Daily Health Care Tips speaks about the importance of being aware of your sexual health to help protect yourself against STDs.

Sexual health is not defined as just the absence of STDs or other diseases. It’s your entire well being, including your emotional and physical state. “Addressing sexual health issues involves a complex web of factors such as attitude, behavior, genes, environment, and economy.” Maintaining your sexual health is not just being aware that STDs, pregnancy, and a number of other factors exist. It’s knowing yourself well enough to know when your body changes. If you know yourself when you are healthy, you have a better chance of knowing when something is wrong.

Because STDs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, often show no symptoms at all, being aware of your sexual health also means protecting yourself. Using condoms during vaginal or anal sex, and using dental damns or condoms during oral sex is one way to help protect you against STD infections. Because you can’t tell if someone is carrying an STD just by looking at them, protecting yourself is more important than ever. Again, because STDs may not show symptoms, your partner may not know they are infected at all.

Sexual health awareness is important to know yourself well enough to know if changes occur, and get yourself treated. It’s also important because STDs can cause other health issues such as infertility. With Sexual health awareness you can help reduce the spread of STDs by protecting you, and being self aware!

With STDs  being most common among the younger generation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human services is helping to educate about teen pregnancies and sexual transmitted diseases (STDs).

Education

The University of Louisville recently received a $4.8 million grant  from the U.S. Department of health and human services to put towards sexual education for teens.

The Kent School of Social work at the University of Louisville will use this money to help create CHAMPS-Creating Healthy Adolescents through Meaningful Prevention Services. The program will help teach local adolescents about protecting themselves against STDs and teen pregnancies through risky sexual activity.  The federal funding will help reach and educate almost 1,300 young adults about Sexually transmitted disease. Majority of these young adults are urban teens and underprivileged youth.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), majority of Chlamydia and gonorrhea cases are reported by young adults between the ages of 15 to 24. Sex education could be a huge supporter to reduce the spread of STDs.

Identigene’s at home STD collection kit helps provide privacy for those who want to know if they have been infected with Chlamydia and/or gonorrhea by allowing for the collection of their samples in the privacy of their own home. Suspecting you may have been infected with and STD can be a scary time, and Identgiene offers support through their assistance in locating follow up and treatment locations for those who may need it. Protecting your sexual health is important. Join in the conversation, lets start talking about STDs.

Talk to your doctor about STD testing

Sexually transmitted diseases, referred to as STDs or STIs, are infections that are contracted through sexual intercourse with someone that has been infected. STDs are caused by bacteria and viruses that go inside of the body through forms of sex: Vaginal, anal, and oral.

Anyone who is sexually active runs the chance of being infected with an STD. It can be passed from any sexual partner whether they are male or female.  The risk is higher for contracting an STD for those that have multiple partners, or those who engage in same sex intercourse. STDs may or may not have symptoms, so some may not even realize they have been infected, and pass to other partners.

So, when should you get tested for STDs?

Ezinearticles.com has some good advice on when you should get tested for STDs. If you experience symptoms such as pain, itching, sensitivity after sex, or discharge, you should get tested for STDs right away. Being tested and treated is one way to help prevent the spread of STDs. Because STDs can cause other health issues, it’s always best to protect your sexual health. If you believe there is a chance you could have been infected, make sure to get yourself tested. Talking about STDs with new partners is another way to help prevent the spread of STDs. It’s always best to be open and honest when it comes to sexual history.

Because there are STDs that show no symptoms at all, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, an annual STD test is recommended for those who are sexually active, especially if you have multiple partners, or don’t practice safe sex. If not in a long term, monogamous relationship a thorough STD screening is recommended each year. Because most physicians don’t conduct STD testing with annual checkups, make sure to ask for STD testing specifically.

STDs can leave you infertile

CNN Health reports on one STD case involving an 18 year old women, whom they call “Rose”, who was infected with both Chlamydia and gonorrhea at the age of 14. As a young teenager she had regular sexual contact with her boyfriend, and after awhile stopped using condoms. The STDs were left untreated and led to other health problems.

When STDs like Chlamydia and gonorrhea are left untreated, they can lead to PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease). Dr. John Douglas (Director for the Centers of Disease Control’s Division of STD Prevention) reports that women with PID have a 10-20% chance of becoming infertile. This is true for the “nearly 2 million women in the United States who are infertile”.  Young people may not be aware that STDs can ruin their chances for having children later in life.

“Dr. Yolanda Wimberly, an adolescent medicine specialist with Grady Health Systems in Atlanta, Georgia, explained that PID can damage the reproductive organs by creating scarring and inflammation in the fallopian tubes.” Some believe that Talking about STDs has become necessary for your health.

STD Story continues

story about STDs is one that is very familiar to those working with STD screening and treatment. Rose was hospitalized when the pain caused by the PID became Sevier. With Treatment, the STDs and PID went away. STDs don’t discriminate; it can happen to anyone who is sexually active. Learning how to protect yourself and maintaining your sexual health will help you protect yourself from other health problems that occur due to STDs.

e-Card Notification

When people learn they have been infected with STDs they may want to tell those close to them, but find it difficult to tell sexual partners that they may have been infected with an Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) as well. Several cities are now working with the online partner notification system known as inSPOT. The Internet Sexuality Information Service (inSPOT) was created in 2004 to assist with partner notifications via internet. Built by a nonprofit agency, and supported by health representatives in San Francisco, they came up with e-cards for notification of exposure to an STD.

How inSPOT helps lower the spread of STDs

With the rise of the internet being used to find sexual partners, the idea was to use the same method to notify sexual partners exposure to an STDs. Public health representatives were looking for a way to control the “online world” through education and stopping the spread of STDs by letting people know when they have been exposed. The e-card lets the sender select the disease in question and includes links to health sites and services.

“Notifying the person exposed to a sexually transmitted infection is the critical piece in preventing further spread,” said Dr. Susan Blank, New York City’s assistant health    commissioner for sexually transmitted disease. “And as the reach of the Internet expands for use in finding instant sex partners, we’re using that technology as part of the  solution.”

Being notified that you have been exposed to an STD may help reduce the spread by letting you seek treatment before passing the infection on to another partner. One recipient of an e-card was very pleased that he was notified at all. Steve was notified by e-card that he was exposed to Syphilis, and in turn was able to get treatment before passing the STD to anyone else. Officials did included that inSPOT was designed as an aid and not intended to replace the role of health workers in notifying partners of possible STD infections.

Does the e-card actually help prevent the spread of STD’s?

The e-card notification of exposure to STDs may be a great idea; however, there is one drawback. There is no way to know if the e-card option is working. They can determine how many e-cards were sent, however, there is no way to determine if those recipients received treatment.