While searching on Google News for an enticing article to blog about, I came across “Sexually Transmitted Diseases: The Silent Epidemic” at http://www.theithacajournal.com/article/20100427/LIFE/4270319/1124/Sexually-Transmitted-Diseases--The-Silent-Epidemic. Ieva Doyle published it on April 27, 2010.
The article is in response to a new report in upstate New York on sexually transmitted diseases by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. The study analyzed the rates of infection of the five most frequently reported STDs amongst teens and adults- gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, HIV and AIDS. One of the most shocking statistics was that “the incidence of gonorrhea among 15- to 19-year-olds in upstate New York exceeds the state average, with 377 cases per 100,000 teens compared to 314 cases per 100,000 statewide.”
The article mentions that STDs are usually transferred through sexual activity, but some are passed from mother to child. Most show no symptoms, so testing is usually the only way to make a diagnosis. Bacterial infections, such as gonorrhea, can be treated and often cured with antibiotics. Viral infections, such as herpes, are incurable, but can be controlled with medication. The CDC recommends practicing abstinence or limiting sexual partners, using condoms without fail, and getting screened regularly to protect oneself from a STD. Dr. Marybeth McCall, chief medical officer of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, concludes the article with, “The takeaway from this report is that there are serious long-term health consequences resulting from undiagnosed and untreated STDs. It’s time to stop being embarrassed and start talking - especially to young people – about safe sex and, if appropriate, about getting tested and treated.”
Sexually Transmitted Diseases affect people from all walks of life, but are rarely talked about. Many infected individuals go untreated which threatens their life and the lives of others by unknowingly spreading their disease. I learned that if STDs are left untreated, they could lead to pregnancy complications, HIV transmission and reproductive tract cancers. If there were more awareness about the importance of getting regular screenings, the shocking numbers of STD cases would decrease.
The article is in response to a new report in upstate New York on sexually transmitted diseases by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. The study analyzed the rates of infection of the five most frequently reported STDs amongst teens and adults- gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, HIV and AIDS. One of the most shocking statistics was that “the incidence of gonorrhea among 15- to 19-year-olds in upstate New York exceeds the state average, with 377 cases per 100,000 teens compared to 314 cases per 100,000 statewide.”
The article mentions that STDs are usually transferred through sexual activity, but some are passed from mother to child. Most show no symptoms, so testing is usually the only way to make a diagnosis. Bacterial infections, such as gonorrhea, can be treated and often cured with antibiotics. Viral infections, such as herpes, are incurable, but can be controlled with medication. The CDC recommends practicing abstinence or limiting sexual partners, using condoms without fail, and getting screened regularly to protect oneself from a STD. Dr. Marybeth McCall, chief medical officer of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, concludes the article with, “The takeaway from this report is that there are serious long-term health consequences resulting from undiagnosed and untreated STDs. It’s time to stop being embarrassed and start talking - especially to young people – about safe sex and, if appropriate, about getting tested and treated.”
Sexually Transmitted Diseases affect people from all walks of life, but are rarely talked about. Many infected individuals go untreated which threatens their life and the lives of others by unknowingly spreading their disease. I learned that if STDs are left untreated, they could lead to pregnancy complications, HIV transmission and reproductive tract cancers. If there were more awareness about the importance of getting regular screenings, the shocking numbers of STD cases would decrease.
This article was attention grabbing because it really drove home the point that if one thinks they are at-risk, they should get tested because usually there are no signs or symptoms of an STD. In this day and age, because sex has become so mainstream with the help of shows such as “Teen Mom” on MTV, I believe it is especially important for the younger generations to understand these facts about Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
It is concerning that many of these easily spead diseases do not often show symptoms. Since so many people are physical in a number of different ways, there is a high risk for contracting one of these diseases, or already having it. People need to understand that their mistakes now could lead to unfortunate issues later in life if not attended to right away. Sometimes having these diseases may seem unreal, resulting in failure to get tested, or even denial. The seemingly best way to protect yourself and others is to contact with one another safely and to get tested even if you do not show any STD symptoms.
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