The Pressing Need to Properly Counsel Adolescents on the Need to Prevent STDs

by STD Express Clinic Doctor

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) affect people of all ages. But it takes a heavy toll of the younger lot.

According to an estimate, people in the age group 15-24 make for about 25 percent of sexually active persons, but account for a disproportionate half of the 20 million new STIs reported in the US each year.

This is distressing, because the long term impacts of untreated STD can be devastating.

But what could be the possible reasons for the younger set being more vulnerable to STIs?

According to a doctor working at a clinic providing STD testing in Arlington, “The influence of digital technology could be one of the primary reasons. The internet and the mobile phone, though having their own advantages, are also allowing impressionable youngsters to seek avenues for risky behaviors”.

The upshot is in the United States pregnancy in girls between ages 12-19 is among the highest in developed countries.

Social networking sites, instant messaging, and video sharing are put to all kinds of inappropriate use by adolescents. These include:

Changing sexual partners often
Having sex with a companion and multiple partners

The result is sexual intimacy without protection and a spurt in STD cases.

A notable aspect is young women seem to be affected more than men.

Women are more susceptible because the vaginal surface is larger and more vulnerable than the penis as it is covered by skin.

The cells that line the inside of the canal are more prone to infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis.

Psychological factors also play a role on why adolescents fall easy victims to STIs.

Use of alcohol and drugs can cause adolescents to behave in manners that increase the risks of STIs.
Lack of counseling and communication result in non-use or improper use of condoms.
Sense of invulnerability is common in youngsters.

“We must adopt creative measures to reach out to adolescents”, says a physician at a private STD testing in Arlington.

“Well-structured programs can provide STD prevention methods in conjunction with community groups”.

The programs must focus on letting the adolescents know:

What kind of behaviors increases the risks of STD?
How to recognize STD symptoms?
If they suspect STD, there is the need to test and if required get treated promptly
There exist affordable and anonymous testing centers where they can get good care.

The STD epidemic is a serious national problem with a mammoth impact on the country’s health, and social and financial well-being. This needs to be addressed on a war footing.