Information that parents should know about STDs
STIs or sexually transmitted infections are extremely prevalent. They can be transmitted through all forms of sexual intercourse and can be caused by bacteria, viruses or other microbes. Although most STIs are curable, they can still affect a person’s ability to conceive, harm the developing fetus, and sometimes lead to serious difficulties or permanent infection. For this reason, teenagers should be aware of them.
Below is basic information about some of the most prevalent infections, including their causes, possible symptoms, and available treatments.
Chlamydia
The most common bacterial STI reported in the US is chlamydia; However, there may be more cases than we know about because many of them are asymptomatic.
If symptoms are present, they may include pain when urinating, discharge from the penis or vagina, or, in rare cases, pain and swelling in the testicles. It can be diagnosed through a urine test or by taking a swab of the affected area. Antibiotics can treat it. If left untreated, infertility may occur; This is more common in women than in men.
Gonorrhea
Another STI caused by bacteria is gonorrhea, which also has no symptoms. When they occur, the symptoms closely resemble those of chlamydia. For both men and women, gonorrhea can also cause infertility. Although curable, certain infections have shown resistance to commonly used medications, requiring further testing and care.
Trichomonas infection
A protozoan is the cause of trichomoniasis. This STI also has the potential to be asymptomatic. In most cases, symptoms are drainage, itching, and irritation. Medications can be used to treat it.
Syphilis
The incidence of syphilis has increased. When an infection first appears, the entry site is usually a solid, circular, painless sore. Usually present for three to six weeks, the sore may go undiagnosed due to its lack of pain.
The second stage is characterized by a more widespread rash, which may be subtle and undiagnosed, as well as general symptoms of the disease, such as fever, sore throat, exhaustion, enlarged lymph nodes, or weight loss.
Syphilis can persist in the body for years and occasionally affect organ systems, including the brain, if left untreated. Antibiotics can treat it, but the damage it could cause could be irreversible if discovered too late. Pregnancy can make this infection more dangerous.
Herpes simplex virus or HSV
HSV is the source of blistering sores. Genital herpes and oral herpes are two different conditions. Although oral sex can cause genital herpes, oral herpes, caused by HSV1, is not usually caused by sex. HSV2 is the most common cause of genital herpes.
Herpes can reappear at any time in life. Herpes cannot be cured; However, there are medications that can delay or stop flares. Although the dangers can be controlled with proper prenatal care, this infection can be very harmful during pregnancy.
HIV
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is more prevalent in people with other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), primarily because STIs are indicators of risky sexual behavior. It can be quite difficult to diagnose because the initial symptoms often resemble those of the flu and some patients experience prolonged periods without any symptoms.
HIV cannot be cured; However, there are medications that can both prevent and control the disease.
Educate adolescents about STI prevention
This all sounds scary. However, teens can take some simple steps to avoid infections or reduce problems, which is why parents should talk to them.
Adolescents are capable of:
Every time they have sexual activity, they use condoms and use them correctly. About half of high school students who are sexually active do not use condoms consistently, according to the aforementioned survey.
Keep the number of sexual partners you have to a minimum and talk openly with them before engaging in sexual activities. Before starting a sexual relationship, it may be helpful to ask about your partner’s sexual history and get tested.
Test regularly. Adolescents who engage in sexual activity should be screened for chlamydia and gonorrhea annually, or more frequently if their sexual history or symptoms indicate. It might also be a good idea to test for further infections. 95% of YRBS high school students reported not having been tested for STIs in the previous year, which is alarming considering that more than a third said they were sexually active.
Make sure your teen visits the doctor regularly. Also, encourage children to tell their doctor the truth when they see him or her. You can help as a parent by allowing your teen to spend private time with the doctor.
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