Sexually Transmitted Diseases/Infections
What is an STD/STI?
An STD/STI is a sexually transmitted disease/infection. Recently, people have come to prefer the using the term “sexually transmitted infection” instead of “sexually transmitted disease.” We will refer to them here as sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
How do you get an STI?
STIs are primarily transmitted during sexual activity and spread through vaginal, anal, and oral sex. A few STIs can be spread through contact with blood that is infected (HIV and hepatitis B).1
Can I get an STI through oral sex?
Yes you can. Studies on oral sex have shown that you can contract syphilis, gonorrhea, HIV, HPV, genital herpes, Chlamydia, and possibly hepatitis C.2 This is why we define sexual activity as oral, anal, and vaginal sex. While some may say it’s a “safe alternative,” oral sex does not protect you from the physical consequences of STIs.
How many people have STIs?
There were 26 million new sexually transmitted infections in 2018 in the United States. About half of these infections were in people between the ages of 15 and 24.3 This statistic does not include the people who were previously infected.
Will they ever go away?
It depends on the type of STI. Bacterial and parasitic infections, like Chlamydia, can be treated with oral antibiotics. Viral infections, such as Genital Herpes, HIV, or HPV cannot be cured.6
Do condoms prevent getting one?
Condoms can reduce the transmission of an STI, but they cannot prevent transmission fully. Remember, the only 100% way of preventing a sexually transmitted infection is through abstinence.
What about specific STIs?
If you are looking for information about specific STIs, please follow the links listed below.
Chlamydia: About Chlamydia | Chlamydia | CDC
Genital HPV: About Genital HPV Infection | STI | CDC
Genital Herpes: About Genital Herpes | Genital Herpes | CDC
Gonorrhea: About Gonorrhea | Gonorrhea | CDC
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: About Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) | Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) | CDC
Syphilis: About Syphilis | Syphilis | CDC
Should I get tested?
Everyone who is sexually active outside a mutually committed, monogamous relationship (marriage) should get tested. Additionally, with certain STIs a person can be infected and contagious but not show any symptoms. There is simply too much at risk to go without knowing.
Pregnancy Facts
US teen birth rates were 14 births per 1,000 females in 2021. “Although steadily declining, the US teen birth rate is higher than in other high-income countries” 7 Of these teens that parent, less than half (17 or younger) ever graduate from high school.8
From 2015-2019 46% of pregnancies in the US were unintended. United States | Guttmacher Institute
Abstinence is the only 100% sure method of preventing pregnancy. Protecting yourself against unplanned pregnancy is a great way to ensure the future you want to create for yourself.
Afraid You May Be Pregnant?
If you or someone you know is concerned she may be pregnant, there is help. No one should have to face an unplanned pregnancy alone. First Care Pregnancy Center is a safe place for individuals who are seeking compassionate support as they consider their options. First Care Pregnancy Center provides support through free pregnancy tests, free limited ultrasound, and confidential decision-making counseling with licensed social workers.
Emotional Effects of Sexual Activity
Most people think only of the physical consequences of sex, but even if a physical consequence is not experienced, you will most likely experience some sort of emotional pain. When you have sex with someone, there is an emotional bond that takes place. When that bond is broken, damage is done and it hurts.
Some emotional effects of a broken sexual relationship include feeling:
used
cheap
abandoned
alone
suicidal
depressed
guilty or regretful
angry and hurt
jealous
empty
Read real life stories of people who have experienced some of these feelings, but have chosen to start over by choosing secondary virginity.
Link between suicide and depression and sexually active teens:
Sexually active girls are more than three times more likely to be depressed than girls who are not.9
Boys who are sexually active are more than twice as likely to be depressed as those who are not.10
Sexually active girls are nearly three times more likely to attempt suicide than girls who are not sexually active.11
Sexually active teenage boys are eight times more likely to attempt suicide than boys who are not sexually active.12
1 Palo Alto Medical Foundation, “Sexually Transmitted Infections,” (2008), http://www.pamf.org/teen/sex/std/.
2 Centers for Disease Control. About STI Risk and Oral Sex | STI | CDC
6 Palo Alto Medical Foundation, “Sexually Transmitted Infections,” (2008), http://www.pamf.org/teen/sex/std/.
10 Ibid.
11 Ibid.
12 Ibid.