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TEEN SOUL POWER
STDs and AIDs
"Killing Us Softly"
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Government is addressing many public health issues such as lead in drinking water, or a recall on baby toys because of a possibility of injury to children, or a recall on cars because they don't meet emission standards. What they are grossly failing to address, however, is the alarming rates of social diseases that can truly be prevented with a return to more traditional understandings and morality of sexual behavior: AIDS and STDs. These findings ignore the fact that virtually all sexual behavior engaged in by youth, a growing and alarming finding, is resulting in a health crisis of monumental proportion. There are more than 100 different strains and types of sexually transmitted diseases - many are permanent although can be "treated", and some are most certainly life threatening. One health report stated that every year 3 million teens—about 1 in 4 sexually experienced teens— acquire an STD. No area is immune, neither rural nor urban. One interesting fact is that today, there is virtually no outbreak for teenagers of mumps, measles or tetanus, but it is very high for Sexually Transmitted Diseases like chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes and others. Neither is the government taking a firm pro-active stance on HIV/AIDs. It's as if they know what the answers are, but is reluctant to fully address it as the only 100% preventable answer is total abstinence from sex - unless married and in a monogamous relationship. And politically correct politician's today feel that's too close to "an oppressive patriarchal society", and they've bought into the old adage that "individual rights means that the government should stay out of the bedroom." In either case, people are becoming infected with these social diseases on a scale never before seen, and no one is addressing it in a focused, concise manner. |
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES
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According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), while sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) affect individuals of all ages, STDs truly take a particularly heavy toll on young people. The CDC estimates that youth and young adults, ages 15-24, make up just over one quarter of the sexually active population, but account for half of the 20 million new sexually transmitted infections that occur in the United States each year. |
YOUTH WARNING:
1-in-2 sexually active people will get a
Sexually Transmitted Disease or Infection (STD-STI)
by the age of 25
(and there is still risk after that);
but the good news is that they ARE avoidable !
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Compared with older adults, sexually active adolescents aged 15–19 years and young adults aged 20–24 years are at higher risk of acquiring STDs for a combination of behavioral, biological, and cultural reasons. Chlamydia: Chlamydia is one of the most common STDs and is the leading cause of preventable infertility in the United States. If left untreated, Chlamydia may also lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and the risk of ectopic pregnancy in women. Chlamydia is both treatable and preventable. Most people with Chlamydia don’t have any symptoms, but those who do might have unusual genital discharge and/or pain and burning when urinating. Women may also have lower back or abdominal pain, nausea, pain during sex, or bleeding after sex and/or between periods. In 2014, there were 948,102 reported cases of chlamydial infection among persons aged 15–24 years of age, representing 66% of all reported chlamydia cases. In 2014, as in previous years, men aged 20–24 years had the highest rate of chlamydia among men (1,368.3 cases per 100,000 males). Herpes: Herpes is a common STD and a lot of people who have it don’t even know. There is no cure for herpes, but there is treatment that can lessen symptoms and decrease the likelihood of passing it on to someone else. When there are signs, they can include blisters around the genitals or anus. The first outbreak of sores is usually the worst. A person with herpes may have additional outbreaks of sores weeks or months after the first outbreak. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is among the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections; although most infections are subclinical, clinical manifestations are characterized by recurrent, painful genital and/or anal lesions. Most genital herpes infections in the United States are caused by HSV-2; however genital HSV-1 infections are increasing among college students and other populations Gonorrhea: Gonorrhea is one of the most common STDs in the United States and can lead to infertility in men and women. It is both treatable and preventable, though scientists have discovered a new strain of gonorrhea that is resistant to all currently utilized antibiotics. Many people with gonorrhea don’t have any symptoms. Those who do might notice unusual discharge from the penis or vagina and/or pain or difficultly peeing. Men may have swelling in their testicles and women may bleed in between periods. If left untreated, gonorrhea can cause infertility without ever showing symptoms. It can also spread to the blood and joints. In 2014, women aged 15–19 years had the second highest rate of gonorrhea (430.5 cases per 100,000 females) compared with other females. In 2014, as in previous years, men aged 20–24 years had the highest rate of gonorrhea (485.6 cases per 100,000 males) compared with other men. Primary and Secondary Syphilis: Syphilis is spread by contact with open sores (usually during sex). If left untreated it can cause serious health problems, including brain and nervous system damage, blood infection and even death. If early action is taken, syphilis can be cured with antibiotics. Syphilis prevalence is growing in the United States, particularly among men who have sex with men. Early signs may include a small, painless, firm sore in or around the vagina, penis, mouth or anus. This can be followed by rash on the body that is particularly noticeable on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. Other, less common signs and symptoms may include fever, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches, and fatigue. During 2013–2014, the rate of reported primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis cases increased 11.6% among persons aged 15–19 years and 13.1% among persons aged 20–24 years. During 2013–2014, the rate increased 31.6%, to 2.5 cases per 100,000 females, and males aged 20–24 years had the second highest rate of P&S syphilis compared with any other age group for either sex, and had increased 13.5%. Hepatitis: There are three different kinds of hepatitis, some of which are spread more easily than others. Hepatitis A, B and C can all be transmitted sexually, however hepatitis B is the type most likely to be sexually transmitted. All types of hepatitis are serious and affect the liver. Hepatitis B and C are the leading cause of liver cancer and are the most common reason for liver transplants. Chancroid: Chancroid is a bacterial STI that is only spread through sexual contact. It causes painful ulcers or sores in the genital region. Trichomoniasis: Trichomoniasis is the most common curable STI. Millions of people are infected each year in the United States. Signs in women include excessive, frothy, yellowish or greenish vaginal discharge. There may also be swelling of the vulva and labia along with painful urination. Symptoms in men may include painful urination with lesions on the penis, but most men with trichomoniasis will have no symptoms. Human Papillomavirus and Genital Warts: HPV is the most common STD and at least 50% of sexually active people will get it at some time in their lives. HPV is a viral infection that can be spread from one person to another person through anal, vaginal, or oral sex, or through other close skin-to-skin touching during sexual activity. This disease is spread easily during anal or vaginal sex, and it can also be spread through oral sex or other close skin-to-skin touching during sex. HPV can be spread even when an infected person has no visible signs or symptoms. The body usually clears HPV on its own without causing any problems, but HPV can lead to certain kinds of cancer. There are more than 100 different types of HPV. Most of the time there are no symptoms and the virus clears on its own, but several types can cause genital warts or lead to vaginal, anal, throat and cervical cancer. Bacterial Vaginosis: BV is the most common vaginal infection in women of reproductive age and it occurs when there is an overgrowth of certain “bad” bacteria in the vagina. Scabies: Scabies are parasites that infect the skin and cause really intense itching. Scabies are transferred by skin-to-skin contact and can occur anywhere on the body. This means that while scabies can be passed through sexual contact, it is usually passed through non-sexual skin-to-skin contact. Crabs: Pubic or “crab” lice are parasitic insects that survive by feeding on human blood. Pubic lice are different parasites than head or body lice and are usually found in the pubic hair, but can also be found in other course body hair like eyebrows, beard, chest or armpit hair. Pelvis Inflammatory Disease: PID can be caused by many different bacteria, including Chlamydia and gonorrhea. It occurs when these bacteria move up from the vagina or cervix into the uterus and other reproductive organs. Mucopurulent Cervicitis: MPC is caused by Chlamydia, gonorrhea or other STIs, and can lead to PID if left untreated. Although MPC sometimes comes with no signs or symptoms, for women it can cause bleeding during or after sex, unusual vaginal discharge, spotting between periods, lower abdominal pain or pain during sex. Molluscum Contagiosum is caused by a virus that can be spread sexually and by non-sexual contact through contaminated objects like towels, clothing or sex toys. Symptoms include shiny, smooth, white, dimpled bumps, with a curd-like core and itching on the genitals and trunk area. Lymphogranuloma Venereum: LGV is not very common in the United States and is most often seen in individuals who have had unprotected receptive anal sex. The first sign of LGV is a small painless ulcer at the point of infection—it may be so small, in fact, that it goes unnoticed. Swollen lymph nodes are the most common sign and usually appear a week to month later. Stiffness and aching in the groin may also occur. |
HIV / AIDs
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In November 1990 LIFE magazine published a photograph of a young man named David Kirby — his body wasted by AIDS, surrounded by anguished family members as he took his last breaths. The haunting image of Kirby on his death bed, taken by a journalism student named Therese Frare, quickly became the one photograph most powerfully identified with the HIV/AIDS epidemic that had seen millions of people infected around the globe.
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More than 1.2 million people in the United States
are living with HIV infection,
and almost 1 in 8 (12.8%) are unaware of their infection.
A WARNING TO YOUTH !!!
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One young man, a former crack dealer, admitted to having unprotected sex with numerous girls and women after he was told that he was HIV positive.
He boasted openly in the media about his sexual promiscuity with young girls, and said in a news interview that his actual number of sexual partners was up to 300. The public health officials contacted many of the girls and found them to be HIV positive. The final count of infected girls was never disclosed. Although he was convicted as a sexual predator, he later changed his name to try avoid the negativity that comes with public awareness of who he really was. Was this just promiscuous sexuality, or as according to advocates, isn't this akin to "attempted murder." One recurring theme today is that many people who do have HIV/AIDS or another STD, do not share that information with their sexual partner, who very normally would then refuse to have sex. There is no other area where the caveat "Let the Buyer Beware" is so important. These people know that they can hurt you - even for life - and choose to selfishly withhold life-saving information - just for sex. |
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It weakens a person’s immune system by destroying important cells that fight disease and infection. No effective cure exists for HIV. But with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. Some groups of people in the United States are more likely to get HIV than others because of many factors, including their sex partners, their risk behaviors, and where they live. This section will give you basic information about HIV, such as how it’s transmitted, how you can prevent it, and how to get tested for HIV.
HIV is a virus spread through certain body fluids that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells, often called T cells. Over time, HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body can’t fight off infections and disease. These special cells help the immune system fight off infections. Untreated, HIV reduces the number of CD4 cells (T cells) in the body. This damage to the immune system makes it harder and harder for the body to fight off infections and some other diseases.
There are essentially three ways that HIV can be tranmitted: by blood or fluids, most usually sharing needles to inject drugs; by mother to infant during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding; and most commonly through sexual contact.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), abstinence is the only 100% effective way to prevent HIV, other sexually transmitted diseases, or pregnancy. Abstinence means not having oral, vaginal, or anal sex. An abstinent person is someone who's never had sex or someone who's had sex but has decided not to continue having sex for some period of time. Abstinence is the only 100% effective way to prevent HIV, other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and pregnancy. The longer you wait to start having oral, vaginal, or anal sex, the fewer sexual partners you are likely to have in your lifetime. Having fewer partners lowers your chances of having sex with someone who has HIV or another STD.
FACT: Sixty percent (60%) of HIV infection among teens and young adults, ages 13-24, are African-Americans; followed by 22% Hispanic/Latino; 18% White; 3% Bi-racial; 2% Asian; and 1% American Indian/Alaskan.
FACT: HIV positive for teens/young adults runs approximately 85% male, and 15% female (80 % for adult men and 20% for adult women.)
FACT: HIV transmission for males is most often through male-to-male sexual contact, followed by heterosexual sexual contact, and then third is intravenous drug use. For females, HIV transmission is most often heterosexual contact, followed by intravenous drug use.
FACT: Between 40,00 - 50,000 adolescents and young adults live with HIV positive infection in the United States. Distribution is across all states, but with highest infectious rates in New York, California, Nevada, Puerto Rico, and southern states including Louisiana, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, and several others - that all exceed the standard infection norms.
FACT: Stage 3 AIDS rates for adolescents ages 13-24, increased annually since first recorded in 1985 for both makes and females, however began dropping in 1997, only to begin increasing again through 2014 (with several exception years.) Also, there has been some decrease in new cases of AIDS among females in recent years.
FACT: In 2014, an estimated 20,896 people were diagnosed with AIDS. Since the epidemic began in the early 1980s, an estimated 1,210,835 people in the US alone have been diagnosed with AIDS - and yes, AIDs does still kill - thousands of people every year.
HIV is a virus spread through certain body fluids that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells, often called T cells. Over time, HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body can’t fight off infections and disease. These special cells help the immune system fight off infections. Untreated, HIV reduces the number of CD4 cells (T cells) in the body. This damage to the immune system makes it harder and harder for the body to fight off infections and some other diseases.
There are essentially three ways that HIV can be tranmitted: by blood or fluids, most usually sharing needles to inject drugs; by mother to infant during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding; and most commonly through sexual contact.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), abstinence is the only 100% effective way to prevent HIV, other sexually transmitted diseases, or pregnancy. Abstinence means not having oral, vaginal, or anal sex. An abstinent person is someone who's never had sex or someone who's had sex but has decided not to continue having sex for some period of time. Abstinence is the only 100% effective way to prevent HIV, other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and pregnancy. The longer you wait to start having oral, vaginal, or anal sex, the fewer sexual partners you are likely to have in your lifetime. Having fewer partners lowers your chances of having sex with someone who has HIV or another STD.
FACT: Sixty percent (60%) of HIV infection among teens and young adults, ages 13-24, are African-Americans; followed by 22% Hispanic/Latino; 18% White; 3% Bi-racial; 2% Asian; and 1% American Indian/Alaskan.
FACT: HIV positive for teens/young adults runs approximately 85% male, and 15% female (80 % for adult men and 20% for adult women.)
FACT: HIV transmission for males is most often through male-to-male sexual contact, followed by heterosexual sexual contact, and then third is intravenous drug use. For females, HIV transmission is most often heterosexual contact, followed by intravenous drug use.
FACT: Between 40,00 - 50,000 adolescents and young adults live with HIV positive infection in the United States. Distribution is across all states, but with highest infectious rates in New York, California, Nevada, Puerto Rico, and southern states including Louisiana, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, and several others - that all exceed the standard infection norms.
FACT: Stage 3 AIDS rates for adolescents ages 13-24, increased annually since first recorded in 1985 for both makes and females, however began dropping in 1997, only to begin increasing again through 2014 (with several exception years.) Also, there has been some decrease in new cases of AIDS among females in recent years.
FACT: In 2014, an estimated 20,896 people were diagnosed with AIDS. Since the epidemic began in the early 1980s, an estimated 1,210,835 people in the US alone have been diagnosed with AIDS - and yes, AIDs does still kill - thousands of people every year.
SO WHAT IS THE ANSWER ?
Government officials do not agree on many things, but they do agree on this. Especially important for teens and young adults - who are hardest hit by STDs and even HIV/AIDS, abstinence is the best policy.
One study of college students found that 78 percent of the students had “hooked up” at some point, and the average number of hookups per student during their college career is nearly 11. Again, this is not sex eleven times within a committed relationship, but casual, “no responsibility” sex with eleven different partners. One woman admitted that she "could not even count the number of lovers she had", she had lost all control over sex. Society has convinced girls and boys that self-esteem and self-fulfillment is best achieved through sex. The fact is that the exact opposite is the truth. And since the sexual rebellion of the early 1960's, society has turned sexuality from a special gift reserved for married couples into a recreational sex fest for all. Now even young teens have sexual attitudes and behaviors that cover the full spectrum of sex, and sexual activity of all types is as common among girls as boys, and sex is becoming common among 15-to-16 year-olds (41 percent), and even for 13-to-14 year-olds (14 percent.) Youth - in fact everyone including all adults, must begin to really become educated about sex, and return to the days of values and morality. They must come to realize that sex may not enhance relationships, but actually destroy them - and can destroy individuals - and even families in the wake. Stay informed, learn about STDs and HIV/AIDS, may a vow of abstinence and keep it forefront, stay out of temptations way, and pick a role model to follow - someone you really admire for strength and courage. Virginity and chastity used to be very important values for youth. Many are proud that they reserved the beauty of sex for that special person they married. These are not values that should easily be abandoned. |
Chlamydia
Rates of Reported Cases by Age and Sex, US 2014
Gonorrhea
Rates of Reported Cases by Age and Sex, US, 2014
Primary and Secondary Syphilis --
Rates of Reported Cases by Age and Sex, US, 2014
