Preventing STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections)

in 2017, 60% (over 1/2) of high school students had never had sexual intercourse.  So, most students are NOT having sex. (2).  Further, 69% of young adults (age 18-24) say that it is acceptable for someone their age to be a virgin. (3)

Barrier devices work by preventing sperm from entering the cervix (the opening to the uterus). Contraceptives that use this method are called barrier devices because they block sperm. Barrier devices include:

1. The male condom;
2. The female condom;
3. The cervical cap (a smaller rubber circle that sits right on the cervix);
4. The diaphragm (a floppy rubber circle that covers the cervix);
5.  A spermicide (a chemical placed in the vagina that kills sperm.  There are foam, cream, film, and suppositories that contain spermicides. These should be used with a condom;
6. The sponge (a donut-shaped foam sponge that is inserted into the vagina.

When used alone, barrier methods have a failure rate of 12-28%.  When not used correctly, the failure rate can be even higher.  For more information on barrier methods and their effectiveness, refer to:

http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq022.pdf.

For more information on how to use barrier methods effectively, refer to:

https://www.bedsider.org/features/730-how-to-use-barrier-methods-like-a-pro

Sexually transmitted infections (also called STDs by some) are infections that can be spread through vaginal penile, anal, or oral sex.

Sexually transmitted diseases are passed between individuals through contact with the genitals, skin, mouth, rectum, or bodily fluids. STIs  include:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Genital herpes
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Syphilis
• Trichomonas

For detailed information about each STI, please refer to:

http://www.iwannaknow.org/teens/sti.html 

Approximately one in four teenagers and young adults get an STI each year. Anyone who is having sex or sexual contact is at risk for an STI.  Teenagers at increased risk include those who have multiple (more than one) partners, those whose partner is infected with an STI, and those who have unprotected sex.

Sexually transmitted diseases can cause problems ranging from mild irritation to severe pain,  but most are present with no symptoms at all.  Thus, you cannot always tell if a person has an STI, and they may not know about it themselves.  For this reason, all sexually active teens should get screened for STIs every year and when they get a new partner.

Some ways to prevent STIs include using a condom properly every time, limiting your number of sexual partners, and getting the  HPV and Hep B vaccinations.

For more information on prevention of STIs, refer to:

https://www.girlshealth.gov/body/sexuality/sti.html

If you are diagnosed with an STI, it is important to tell your partner so that he/she can get tested and treated as needed. Otherwise your partner may pass the infection back to you again after you have had treatment or he/she may pass it on to someone else.

Some conversation starters are listed at the link below:

https://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/hiv-and-other-stds/std-testing-conversation-starters

In most states, minors (people younger than age 18 years) have the right to make choices about STI screening without their parents’ permission. Discuss with your health care provider  your rights in this regard and how the visit can be kept private.  Be aware that if you use your parents’ health insurance to pay for a doctor’s visit as it may appear on the bill that your parents receive. Most cities also have STI clinics that allow a teen to get STI screening and treatment free of charge or at a low cost.