By KAREN JAEN
Wet palms and frantic thoughts stirred in his mind as he waited for the test results. Unprotected sex among teens has led to a rise in sexually transmitted diseases.
An STD is a communicable infection transmitted by sexual contact or genital contact. Oral and vaginal sex can spread STDs such as gonorrhea, Chlamydia, crabs (pubic lice), herpes and syphilis. Most of these diseases can be treated but can leave a permanent mark.
“There is a lot that comes with sex: pregnancy, STDs, a reputation. It’s a big risk to be sexually active,” junior Jane Doe* said.
These infections are contracted when teenagers come in sexual contact without the use of a condom or when they have more than one partner. Pressure among teenagers to have sex has led to the rise. According to a study conducted by Kaiser Family Foundation, one in three boys ages 15-17 feels pressured to have sex mostly because of male friends. Girls are pressured also, but not as much as boys. They are pressured most by boyfriends or boyfriend’s friends.
“Society’s view on sex is drastic; in high school [all views] are based on sex. The majority of guys go for hook ups and most relationships are for sex, not feelings,” Doe said.
And another study conducted by National Campaign to Prevent Pregnancy found that one in five teens has had sex before the age of 15.
“[I think teens are sexually active because of a] curiosity factor. The media puts sex out [as something you should do], and teens want to learn and experience it,” senior Emily Evans said.
The studies also found that alcohol and drugs influence a teenager to participate in sexual activity. Eight in 10 teenagers said their friends smoke or drank before engaging in sexual activity, and seven in 10 said their friends have unprotected sex when under the influence. Half of teenagers who reported they are sexually active do not regard sex as something important. These views can lead to unprotected sex and spreading of STDs.
Florida ranks as the second highest state in the U.S. for the most HIV and AIDS cases, with Orange County having the fourth highest infected persons at an estimated 4,000.
Gonorrhea and Chlamydia are also on the rise in Florida. Both cause similar symptoms. In men, symptoms include burning and pain while urinating, swelling of the testicles, sore throat and discharge from penis; in women, the symptoms include fever, sore throat, burning and pain while urinating, and discharge from the vaginal area. These can be so mild that it may be mistaken for another kind of vaginal infection which can lead to further problems if the disease isn’t cured.
The number of Chlamydia cases Florida rose over 13,000 from 2007 to 2008, while gonorrhea rose close to 1000 in the same time period.
Both gonorrhea and Chlamydia can be cured by antibiotics, but if left untreated, may lead to long-term complications, like infertility, kidney failure, urinary tract infection and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.
Crabs, otherwise known as pubic lice can cause itching, sores and the skin discoloration or cause eggs or adult lice to be seen. Crabs require a tedious treatment and maintenance that includes washing all clothes with a medicated spray and repeatedly washing the infected area with a medicated shampoo. This STD can be transmitted regardless of the use of a condom during sex.
“[I was anxious waiting for the results] because I knew it was bad news. [When I found out I had] crabs. It sucked. I had to deal with it everyday. [It felt like] I failed,” senior John Smith* said.
According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at least 45 million people ages 12 and older have genital herpes. Herpes causes an outbreak of sores in the genital area and at times may cause flu-like symptoms during an outbreak; outbreaks happen on average four to five times a year. Because outbreaks occur every couple of months or so, a person who is infected may not know he has the disease, which can cause one to reengage in sexual activity and infect a partner.
Genital herpes has no cure but there are antiviral medications that can help control outbreaks by shortening them and making them less irritable.
Syphilis is more infectious than most STDs. Syphillis has several stages and symptoms include sores, fever, fatigue and loss of appetite; however, symptoms become progressively worse and can cause damage to the nervous system, heart, skin and bones.
“Definitely wait to lose your virginity. It’s a big step and responsibility and you need to be educated; make sure you always have protection,” Doe said.