How to curb the spread of STIs among youth.

Although STDs affect people of all ages, they are particularly common among young people in adolescence and youth. According to the CDC updates, youths between the ages of 15 to 24 accounted for 26 million new STD infections in the US in 2018 alone.

These facts have called for serious measures to tame the spread of sexually transmitted infections among the youth globally. Read through the post to learn how to curb the spread of STIs among the youth.

Understanding STIs.

Sexually transmitted infections/diseases are infections that are transmitted from one person to another through sexual intercourse. The contract can be oral, anal, or vaginal sex. However, sometimes, they can be spread through intimate physical contact because some STIs like HPV and herpes can be passed through skin contact.

Types of STDs.

There are more than 20 types of sexually transmitted infections globally. Check the list below for the most common ones.

ü  HIV/AIDs

ü  Syphilis.

ü  Gonorrhea.

ü  Genital herpes.

ü  Chlamydia.

ü  Trichomoniasis.

ü  Pubic lice.

ü  HPV.

What are the symptoms of sexually transmitted infections?

Usually, most STDs do not show symptoms, or they can occur mildly. It is this reason you can contract and pass them without knowing.

If the symptoms occur, they may include the following;

ü  Abnormal discharge from the genitals.

ü  Frequent and painful urination.

ü  Warts or sores on the genital area.

ü  Abnormal vaginal odor.

ü  Redness and itching on the genital.

ü  Sores and blisters around the mouth.

ü  Fever.

ü  Anal itching, bleeding, and soreness.

ü  Abdominal pain.

ü  Rashes over the trunk, feet, and hands.

How to contain the spread of STDs among the youth.

Although the surest way of preventing the spread of sexually transmitted infections is abstinence from all forms of sexual activities, there are other ways to keep safe if you cannot maintain abstinence. Check the section below for more:

1.     Abstain.

As mentioned before, the most reliable way of protecting yourself is through abstinence. While it is not an easy feat to achieve for many individuals, abstaining from any sexual activity keeps you safe and takes away any doubt of having sexual health complications.

There are several ways one can practice to maintain abstinence completely, such as: getting a support system from persons with a similar aim, talking to professional counselors on the same, and getting a hobby that will distract your mind from the need to engage in sexual activities.

2.     Vaccination.

Vaccines are effective, safe, and recommended methods to prevent STIs such as HPV and hepatitis B. HPV vaccines are recommended for individuals aged from 11 years to 26 years.

However, people aged 26 years and above who are not already vaccinated can still get the HPV vaccine after talking to health professionals about their chances of getting new HPV infections and the benefits of vaccines.

3.     Usage of condoms.

Correct and consistent use of condoms is very effective in reducing the transmission of sexually transmitted infections among any age group. Use condoms every time you engage in vaginal, anal, or oral sex to minimize the risks of spreading the disease.

If you are allergic to latex rubber, you can try synthetic non-latex condom variations and still achieve similar protection.

4.     Practice mutual monogamy.

Mutual monogamy means sticking to one sexual partner who has also agreed to be your only active sexual partner. Practicing this is also one of the surest ways of avoiding the spread of STDs after abstinence.

However, to get the most out of mutual monogamy, it is important to ensure that both of you are free from any of the STIs discussed above. Have an open and honest discussion with your partner and agree to get tested together before starting to have sex.

Conclusions.

STDs affect people from all age groups. However, it is more prevalent among youths and young people who have just become sexually active but have no information about sexual health.

To prevent the spread of STIs in this age set, practice the following ways discussed in the post, abstain, get vaccinated, use condoms correctly and consistently, and practice mutual monogamy.