Sexually Transmitted Disease Threat Rising, CDC Says

Dec. 29, 2009 - PRLog -- After showing signs of improvement over the years, the rates of sexually transmitted diseases and teen pregnancy have worsened, according to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Teen birth rates increased in 2006 and 2007, following large declines from 1991-2005, and rates of AIDS cases among males aged 15-24 years increased during 1997-2006, said the report, which is a summary of numerous studies.

“It is disheartening that after years of improvement with respect to teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, we now see signs that progress is stalling and many of these trends are going in the wrong direction,” said Janet Collins, Ph.D., director of CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

About one million adolescents and young adults aged 10-24 years were reported to have chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis in 2006, the report said. Nearly a quarter of females aged 15-19 years, and 45 percent of those aged 20-24 years, had a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection during 2003-2004.

Approximately 100,000 females aged 10-24 years visited a hospital emergency department for a non-fatal sexual assault injury during 2004-2006, according to the CDC.

How many people have STDs?

The numbers are shocking. Over 65 million Americans are now affected with an incurable STD, according to the CDC.

What are some symptoms of STDs?

General symptoms can include unusual discharge from the penis or vagina, a burning feeling when urinating, growths, sores with an itch in the genital area, lower abdominal pain, dark urine, skin rashes or sores, yellow eye, fever, headache, nausea, joint inflammation and enlarged lymph nodes.

How are STDs treated?

Bacterial STDs, such as gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia can usually be cured with antibiotics. Even with treatment, any damage already caused is permanent. Viral STDs such as herpes, HIV/AIDS and human papillomavirus (HPV) are considered incurable, but can be treated. It is important to seek treatment immediately.

What are some of the long-term effects of STDs?

•   Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to infertility
•   Cervical cancer
•   Chronic pelvic pain
•   Tubal (ectopic) pregnancy
•   Damage to major body organs
•   Death

If you are involved sexually, know the risks…

You or your partner can be infected with an STD even if neither of you have any symptoms.
STD's may have no symptoms but can still be contagious.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, condoms do not provide complete protection from any STD or pregnancy. Infection can occur in both males and females whether or not a condom is used.

According to the CDC, the surest way to avoid pregnancy or any infection with a sexually transmitted disease is to practice sexual abstinence (abstain from any sexual contact) while single. If you marry, select a partner who is not infected with an STD and remain sexually faithful during marriage.

Women in Phoenix, AZ, as well as Peoria, Glendale, Tempe, Mesa, Avondale and other cities can learn more about sexually transmitted diseases by calling Life Choices Women’s Clinics at 602-305-5100.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control, Division of Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
Centers for Disease Control, “Improvements in Sexual and Reproductive Health of Teens and Young Adults Slowing,” July 16, 2009 press release.
Centers for Disease Control, “Sexual and Reproductive Health of Persons Aged 10-24 Years – United States, 2002-2007” July 17, 2009.

Life Choices Women’s Clinics serves women in Phoenix, AZ, and surrounding areas, including Glendale, Tempe, Scottsdale, Surprise, Avondale, Goodyear, Buckeye, Laveen, Tolleson, Litchfield Park, Peoria, El Mirage, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek, Gilbert, and Paradise Valley.  Schools served include Arizona State University (ASU), Glendale Community College, Paradise Valley Community College, Phoenix College, South Mountain Community College, and Grand Canyon University.

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Life Choices Women's Clinics serves women in the Phoenix, AZ area with pregnancy tests, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, well women exams, NaProTechnology infertility treatment, and natural family planning.