Download What Are Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

What Are Sexually
Transmitted Diseases?
20.2
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.
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
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.
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 don’t talk
about it & often don’t seek treatment.
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.
STDs and Teens
1/10 teens is infected with an STC
1/5 Sexually active teens has an STD
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
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
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.
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