STD's & HIV on the rise in young people...

STD's & HIV on the rise in young people...

It is amazing the number of states that are reporting increases in new HIV and STD cases. What's even more disturbing is the number of young people being infected. The under 20 group has increased by close to 25% and the 20-29 group has experienced an increase of 45% in some states. The vast majority of young people testing positive are in the poverty stricken, drug addicted and commercial sex sectors of the population.

Did somebody forget to share with these young people what it was like to live through the 80's and 90's, losing colleagues, friends, and family members? Sure people are living longer today, due to medications, but they are still dying far short of a normal life span. Life on medications is not a party, due to side effects from the medications and the disease; people are experiencing clinical depression, incontinence, and fatigue.
It seems that further education to the public is necessary. Everyone should be concerned about sexually transmitted diseases. While all of them are not fatal, many of them (STD's) can have devastating effects on your body and on your life. Some cause sterility while others can cause birth defects as well as mental illness. Most STD's can be treated with a few simple shots, but if left untreated, may cause you to have permanent issues.
Get tested at least once a year, more often if you are sexually active with more than one partner.
Young people coming from poverty stricken, drug addicted parents need to be educated in all aspects of sexual health; information on abstinence, birth control methods and the use of condoms for protection against pregnancy, HIV and STD's. Educating people by providing them with the complete facts about sex and the possible consequences of having sex too early, allows them to make informed decisions, take responsibility for and improve their lives.
Worst case scenario for providing complete comprehensive sex education? We continue to see infection rates and teenage pregnancy increase.
Best case scenario? Young people could put off having sex for a year or two or wait for marriage, which means a reduction in the number of teenage pregnancies, STD's and HIV infections.
This nation has tried abstinence only education, unfortunately many children will suffer the consequences. Now is the time to make changes and educate young people with a truthful and comprehensive sex education program.
Don't agree? Let me know what you think!