Are You Sexually Active?

If the answer is yes, you may want to reconsider that choice. In the next three blogs we will provide you with some information to help you make an informed decision about your sexuality. Remember, this is your life. You get to call the shots. Is it worth the risk? There are over 25 known STDs…we’re just giving you a glimpse at some of the most common. Remember: we are not just talking about sexual intercourse that spreads disease, but all sexual activity (anal and oral sex included). Chlamydia is the most commonly reported STD in the U.S. The rate of chlamydia infections among reported Utah teenagers aged 15-19 years has more than doubled from 2000 to 2008. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 75% of females infected with chlamydia do not present signs or symptoms. Men infected with chlamydia are around 50% symptomatic. Untreated infections can progress to serious reproductive complications and other health problems including infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and epididymitis in males. Chlamydia can also infect infants during the birth process which can lead to health complications. Source: The Utah Department of Health, Bureau of Epidemiology, Communicable Disease Analysis and Reporting Program Genital herpes infects one out of five Americans over age 12. Genital herpes can cause recurring painful sores around the genital region, mouth or throat. It can cause complications in pregnancy for years to come. There is currently no cure. Human papilloma virus will occur in at least half of all sexually active men and women at some point in their lives. Various strains of HPV can cause genital warts and are linked to cancer of the cervix, mouth, throat, penis and anus. Source: Center for Disease Control, Division of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Prevention, May 2009 It’s not too late to make a U-turn. Today, you can decide to wait for sex until your married. It’s the only 100% effective way to protect your body…and your heart (see next post for more). Call Hope at 652-8343 to talk to someone about abstinence.