STD Information
Is a Sexual Experience Worth… Your Health? Your Life?
Consider these facts concerning STDs:
- STDs are the most common diseases in America next to the common cold and flu.
- 1 in 5 Americans are presently infected with an STD.
- 15 million become newly infected with STDs yearly – 41,000/day.
- 45 million Americans are infected with an incurable STD.
- 35 – 50 different kinds of STDs exist.
- 20 different STDs are rampant among the young.
- 63% of all STDs occur in persons less than 25 years of age.
- STDs infect 3 million teenagers each year.
- 80% infected with an STD do not develop the initial symptoms.
- STDs are contagious even though no symptoms exist.
- New strains of STDs are resistant to treatment.
- STDs often cause chronic pain and permanent damage.
- STD infection increases the possibility of contracting AIDS
- Some STDs are incurable and can eventually kill.
If you are involved sexually, you need to know the risks…
Danger…
Beware… Your partner may not know he/she has an STD… 80% infected do not know their condition.
Beware… Your partner may not tell you the truth if he/she has been sexually active in the past.
Beware… STDs are not prevented with condom use: 1) some STDs transmit skin to skin; 2) condoms have a 17% failure rate; that’s 1 in 6.
Beware… You can have an STD and have no symptoms for weeks, months, possibly years. STDs are contagious even though no symptoms exist.
Beware… Teens are much more susceptible to STD damage because they have a lower level of antibodies than adults.
Beware… It is extremely important to see a doctor for a check-up if you – or your partner – have had a sexual experience outside of marriage even though no symptoms exist.
Avoid the risks… Save sex for marriage.
"When you have sex with someone, you are having sex with everyone they have had sex with for the last ten years, and everyone they and their partners have had sex with for the last ten years."
C.Everett Koop
Former U.S. Surgeon General
Some Final Considerations
If you engage in premarital sexual activity:
- You are very likely to contact an STD
- You may have an STD and not realize it until it&srquo;s "too late"
- You could be legally liable if you infect someone
If you discover that you have an STD:
- You need treatment immediately
- You must stop sexual activity
- You need to notify sexual partners