What Are Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

1
What Are Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

• 20.2

2
Objectives

• Describe why sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
  are said to be a silent epidemic.
• Identify why teenagers are particularly at risk
  for being infected with STDs.
• List steps you can take to prevent the spread of
  STDs.

3
Key Terms

• Epidemic the occurrence of more cases of a
  disease than expected
• Asymptomatic shoeing no signs of a disease or
  disorder even though an infection or disease is
  present

4
Not Me!

• Each year about 15 million Americans are infected
  with an STD.
• Teens make up only 8 of the U.S. population
• About 25 of all new cases of STDs occur in teens
  between 15 19.

5
STDs The Silent Epidemic

• Many STDs are asymptomatic
• STDs spread because carrier is asymptomatic
• Some STDs can only be discovered through lab
  tests
• Some symptoms do not appear for years in the
  carrier
• Silent epidemic people dont talk about it
  often dont seek treatment.

6
STDs Are Serious

• STDs can cause problems years after infection
• If untreated, can cause infertility
• STDs can cause serious illness or death
• People who are sexually active should undergo
  regular testing for STDs.

7
STDs and Teens

• 1/10 teens is infected with an STC
• 1/5 Sexually active teens has an STD

8
Risky Behaviors

• Being sexually active
• Having more than one sexual partner
• Having a sexual partner who has had multiple
  sexual partners
• Using alcohol or drugs

9
Abstinence

• Most effective way to protect yourself from STDs
  is to remain abstinent before marriage and to
  marry someone who has also been abstinent and is
  uninfected

10
Why Female Teens At Higher Risk For Catching STDs

• Females have large areas of mucous membranes that
  can be exposed to infectious particles
• During sexual intercourse, females receive a
  larger volume of potentially infected body fluid
  than males
• The cells of the teen cervix is more susceptible
  to infection than the cells of an adult cervix.

11
Preventing STDs

• Practice Abstinence
• Stay away from alcohol drugs
• Respect yourself
• Learn the facts about STDs use those facts to
  make good decisions
• Choose friends who influence you in a positive
  way
• Get plenty of rest
• Go out as a group
• Be aware of your emotions