# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Key Findings:

There are an estimated 20 million new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) every year in the United States with rates of reported STIs continuing to rise, reaching record-breaking levels in 2018. This poll provides new data on the public's knowledge and attitudes about STIs.

Large majorities of the public are unaware of how common STIs are among adults in the U.S. About one-third (36%) are aware that STIs have become more common over the past decade and few (13%) know that over half of people in the U.S. will get an STI sometime during the lifetime.

Slightly more than half (54%) say they know someone who has had an STI, including those who say they have personally had an STI. There are some differences by key demographic groups with larger shares of women and younger adults saying they personally know someone who has had an STI.

Small shares of the public (8%) are worried about contracting an STI in the next year, with larger shares of younger people, ages 18-29, expressing concern (20%). About one in ten Black adults (13%) and Hispanic adults (13%) and 5% of White adults say they are worried they may personally contract an STI in the next year.

Overall, the public is aware that STIs are often asymptomatic, yet transmissible. Large majorities know that STIs can be transmitted even when that person is not showing any symptoms (96%) as well as during pregnancy and childbirth (87%). Equally large shares are aware some people who have an STI might not even know it (96%) and symptoms may not display in some people with an STI for years (90%).

About half know chlamydia (54%), gonorrhea (56%), and syphilis (45%) are curable. More than half (59%) know that genital herpes is not curable.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Slightly more than half (54%) of adults say they personally know someone, including themselves, who has had an STI such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes, syphilis, or human papillomavirus (HPV). Nearly six in ten women (58%) say they know someone who has ever had an STI, as do half of men. Older adults are less likely to know someone compared to younger age groups (18-29 year olds: 54%; 30-49 year olds: 63%; 50-64 year olds: 57%; 65 and older: 36%).

Despite this, few know how common STIs are in the U.S. today and that STIs are on the rise. One-third of adults (36%) are aware that STIs have become "more common" over the past ten years, but this is similar to the share who say they "don't know enough to say" (38%) and only ten percentage points higher than the share (26%) who either say STIs have become "less common" or "stayed about the same." About one-third of men (32%) are aware that STIs have become more common over the past decade and about four in ten women are aware (39%). Awareness is also higher among Black adults (48%) compared to White adults (33%). Four in ten Hispanic adults are also aware STIs have become more common.

Additionally, a small percentage (13%) know that "over half of the people in the U.S." will have an STI, other than HIV, at some point in their lifetime.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are very common, and over half of people in the U.S. will have an STI in their lifetime. In fact, the CDC estimates there are over 110 million sexually transmitted infections among men and women in the U.S., with 20 million new cases each year.

HPV is the most common STI (79 million cases), followed by genital herpes (24 million), trichomoniasis (3.7 million) and chlamydia (1.6 million). Gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis B and HIV are less common, although rates of syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia are rising, up 71%, 63% and 19% respectively from 2014 to 2018.

While STIs are most common among adolescents and young adults aged 15-24, all age groups are affected.

About one in ten (8%) are worried that they personally will contract a new STI over the next year, yet there are some groups who worry more about contracting an STI. Larger shares (20%) of younger adults (18-29) report being worried which is consistent with data from the CDC which states that this age group is the group at the highest risk for STIs. Additionally, STI rates are higher among Black adults and Hispanic adults compared to White adults. At least one in ten Hispanic adults (13%) and Black adults (13%) say they were worried about contracting an STI, compared to 5% of White adults.

About one in eight say they are uncomfortable discussing STIs with a sexual partner (12%) and one in seven (15%) are uncomfortable talking about STIs with a doctor. In fact, large majorities of the public say they are "very comfortable" or "somewhat comfortable" talking about STIs with their doctor or health care provider (84%) or sexual partners (75%). Smaller majorities are comfortable talking about STIs with their close friends (67%) or family (61%). Similar shares also report feeling comfortable talking about their sexual health with these different groups. In a survey conducted more than two decades ago, KFF found that more than one-third of the public were uncomfortable discussing STIs with a sexual partner (37%) and three in ten (31%) were uncomfortable talking with a doctor about getting an STI test (compared to 12% and 15% in the most recent survey).

There are some differences by age and gender in how comfortable people are talking about the topic. A higher share of women than men said they were comfortable talking with their close friends about STIs (71% vs. 61%, respectively) and their sexual health (62% vs. 52%).

While most new STIs are among young adults, older adults are also at risk. A smaller share of those 65 and older say they are comfortable talking about STIs and their sexual health with a variety of audiences, compared to younger adults.

Understanding of STI Transmission and Treatment Options

The vast majority of adults are aware that STIs are often asymptomatic, yet transmissible. More than nine in ten adults are aware that a person with an STI can spread it to a sexual partner even if they do not have any symptoms (96%) as well as during pregnancy and childbirth (87%). Equally large shares are aware some people who have an STI might not even know it (96%) and that some people with an STI may not display symptoms for years after contracting the STI (90%).

Large shares of the public are unsure about whether many STIs are curable with medication or not. Slightly more than half of adults know gonorrhea and chlamydia are curable with medication (56% and 54%, respectively), and genital herpes is not curable with medication (59%). Fewer are aware that syphilis is curable with medication (45%). About half (51%) of the public say they are unsure if HPV is curable with medication or not. HPV is a common STI that has more than 150 different strains (including some associated with cervical and other cancers and others that cause genital warts). There is no medical treatment for HPV, however, most people who acquire HPV (specifically those not associated with cancer or warts) will clear the infection on their own and without health problems. There is a vaccine available to protect against some of the more serious types of HPV.

In 1998, less than half of the public knew gonorrhea and chlamydia could be cured with medications (48% and 32%, respectively), while now more than half are aware of this (56% and 54%, respectively). Awareness that both genital herpes and HPV are not curable with medications has not changed over the past two decades.

Gonorrhea

Curable with antibiotics

Chlamydia

Curable with antibiotics

Syphilis

Curable with antibiotics

Trichomoniasis

Curable with antiparasitic medications

Genital Herpes (HSV)

Lifelong infection, but symptoms can be treated with antiviral medication

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Most people who acquire HPV will clear the infection on their own and without associated health problems. There is a vaccine for some types of HPV associated with cervical cancer that is recommended beginning at age nine.

Knowledge around treatment of STIs is generally higher among those who are under the age of 65. Majorities of younger adults are aware that chlamydia and gonorrhea are curable and that genital herpes is not curable with medication, compared to less than half of adults 65 and older who are aware of this. For each STI assessed, individuals aged 65+ were significantly less likely to correctly identify whether they are curable or not, compared to adults younger than 65 years old.

NOTE. Grey box indicates statistical significance at p<.05 compared to all other age groups.

There were also some differences by gender and race. A larger share of women than men correctly reported that chlamydia is curable and that HPV is not curable (even though most people who acquire HPV will clear the infection on their own and there is a vaccine for HPV prevention), while awareness about other infections was similar between women and men. A higher share of Black adults know that chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are curable, compared to other races. A previous 2017 KFF survey showed a higher share of Black and Latina women compared to White women said their physician discussed STIs with them.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Public Knowledge and Attitudes About Sexually Transmitted Infections: KFF Polling and Policy Insights

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
There are an estimated 20 million new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) every year in the United States with rates of reported STIs continuing to rise, reaching record-breaking levels in 2018. This poll provides new data on the public's knowledge and attitudes about STIs.

# data[].attributes.headline
What percentage of people based on age know the correct information on STI’s and curability?

# data[].attributes.subject
What percentage of people based on age know the correct information on STI’s and curability?

# data[].attributes.body
People that are the age 65+ has the least amount knowledge of STI's and curability , ages 30-49 has the most greatest amount of knowledge.

# data[].attributes.headline
What percentage of Men and Women know the correct information about Sti’s and curability.

# data[].attributes.subject
What percentage of Men and Women know the correct information about Sti’s and curability.

# data[].attributes.body
According to the graph women has more knowledge then men when it comes to the correct information about STI's and curability.

# data[].attributes.headline
What percentage of Black, White and Hispanic people know about STI’s and curability?

# data[].attributes.subject
What percentage of Black, White and Hispanic people know about STI’s and curability?

# data[].attributes.body
African American people has the highest percentage of people that knows and understand STI's and curability , hispanic people has the lowest percentage of people while caucasian people are in the middle.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.guttmacher.org/gpr/2020/04/reducing-sti-cases-young-people-deserve-better-sexual-health-information-and-services

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Leah H. Keller , Guttmacher Institute

The time is now. Will you stand up for reproductive health and rights?

First published online:

The number of STIs is increasing in the United States, especially among adolescents and young adults. In 2018, combined cases of syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia reached an all-time high after rising for the fifth year in a row. ¹ Between 2014 and 2018, cases of chlamydia, one of the most common STIs, increased by 15%. ² Although less prevalent overall, gonorrhea and syphilis increased by 35% ³ and 50%, ⁴ respectively.

Over the five years that this trend has emerged, socially conservative policymakers have remained intent on limiting young people's access to sexual health information and services. These efforts stem from the disingenuous claim that such access will encourage adolescents to have more sex with more people, even though a robust body of research indicates otherwise. 5,6 Social conservatives' arguments stigmatize sex outside of marriage, shame sexually active young people (particularly young women), and intentionally ignore the fact that sex is a normal part of adolescence and adulthood.

Researchers have not established the full set of factors driving the rising prevalence of STIs among young people, but they have several theories, including decreased condom use; declining local, state and federal investment in STI programs; expanding sexual networks facilitated by dating apps; the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains of certain STIs; and, potentially, increased testing. ⁷⁻¹¹

Sex is a part of many adolescents' and young people's lives: In the United States, two-thirds of 18-year-olds have had sex, and by age 25, more than nine in 10 people will have had sex (see figure 1). ¹² Preventing and treating STIs-including through education on healthy sex and relationships, routine screenings, disease management and prevention-must be a part of health care for young people.

Young People Are Vulnerable to STIs

Adolescents and adults in their early 20s have been disproportionately impacted by the recent rise in STIs. Young people in this age-group acquire an estimated half of all new STIs annually, yet they make up only one-quarter of the sexually active population. ¹³ In 2018, people aged 15-24 represented a substantial proportion of all those with chlamydia (62%), 2 gonorrhea (43%) ³ and syphilis (22%) ⁴ (see figure 2). ¹⁴ Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes over a dozen STIs, ¹⁵ these three are the major ones (besides HIV) that it tracks. When left untreated, these infections can cause infertility, poor pregnancy and birth outcomes, and increased risk of acquiring new or transmitting existing STIs, especially HIV. ¹⁶

Some groups of young people in the United States face inordinately high rates of STIs. Young men who have sex with men are at higher risk of obtaining a new STI than the general population due to the structure of their sexual networks, decreased access to screening and treatment, and stigma. ¹⁷ Black (and to a lesser degree, Hispanic and Native) adolescents and young adults are substantially more likely than their peers to be living with an STI. ¹⁸ These disparities arise not from individual or population-level behavioral differences, but structural barriers such as racism, discrimination and poverty that can block people of color from accessing affordable and high-quality health care, including the sexual health services that are necessary to prevent and treat STIs. 18,19 Some groups, like black men who have sex with men, have particularly high rates of STIs in part because they face multiple forms of discrimination. ²⁰

In general, people in their teens and early 20s are at risk of contracting STIs for a combination of biological, logistical and behavioral reasons. Adolescent girls and young women are particularly susceptible to infection for some STIs, such as chlamydia, because of the cellular makeup of their cervixes. ²¹ Adolescents and young people who are insured as dependents on their parents' health plans may be reluctant to disclose their sexual behavior to health care professionals because of confidentiality concerns, which may decrease the likelihood that they receive STI screening and treatment and increase their risk of passing STIs to others. Lack of transportation, insurance coverage and funds to pay for services may also keep young people from accessing the STI care that they need. Finally, many adolescents and young adults have multiple sexual partners, which increases their risk of exposure to STIs. ²²

Key Interventions and Barriers to Receiving Care

Interventions to support high-quality information and care related to STIs include sex education programs, testing and treatment services, preventive technologies and vaccines, and supportive and dignified care. Unfortunately, young people face barriers in all of these areas.

Provide sexual health information. Young people deserve accurate and complete sex education in order to avoid STIs and mitigate their effects. Programs should provide students with accurate information about the prevention, transmission, symptoms and treatment of STIs. They should also equip students with skills to foster healthy relationships and express their sexual autonomy in a healthy way, such as by understanding consent and being able to advocate for condom use. The sexual health information provided should be age appropriate as well as responsive to and respectful of a range of cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations and gender identities.

One major barrier to accurate and complete sex education has been conservatives' promotion of abstinence-only programs. These programs take an all-or-nothing approach to STI prevention that discourages condom use, is not in line with adolescents' sexual activity and does not prepare them for sex in adulthood (see New Name, Same Harm: Rebranding of Federal Abstinence-Only Programs, 2018). Proponents of abstinence frame this approach as the only certain way to avoid STIs, but they fail to note that many adolescents who attempt to abstain from sex will ultimately have sex before marriage. ⁶ In fact, longitudinal research shows that when adolescents who have attempted to abstain do have sex, many do not use condoms that would protect them from STIs.

Abstinence-only programs not only withhold important information from young people, but can actively harm them. This approach sends adolescents the message that sex outside of marriage is shameful or inherently dangerous, perpetuates gender stereotypes, ignores the experiences of LGBTQ youth and promotes a narrow view of an acceptable life course (i.e., marriage, then sex, then parenthood). ²³ Further, restricting sex education to a few topics contributes to misinformation and stigma that prevents adolescents and young people from seeking information and care related to STIs.

Congress, with the support of the Trump administration, has been gradually increasing funding for abstinence-only education, and funding reached a 10-year high of $110 million in 2019. ²⁴ Moreover, 29 states require that abstinence be stressed in sex education programs, and 19 states require instruction on the purported importance of engaging in sexual activity only within marriage. ²⁵

Ensure testing and treatment. It is critical that adolescents and young people receive accessible and high-quality STI testing and treatment services. The majority of STIs are asymptomatic or have nearly undetectable symptoms, so routine screening is necessary to prevent the development of disease and transmission to additional people. ²⁶

Adolescents and young adults face particular barriers in accessing testing and treatment services. Young people in schools or workplaces with inflexible schedules will have difficulty visiting clinics that keep regular business hours, while those without a car or another convenient, safe and affordable source of transportation may be entirely cut off from care. Adolescents who make it to a clinic face another, emerging challenge: untreatable STIs. Antibiotic-resistant strains of gonorrhea are particularly common, although drug resistance has been found in other STIs as well. ²⁷

STI clinic funding has been hampered in recent years by federal, state and local policies. The CDC's STI prevention and treatment budget has been flat since 2003, resulting in a 40% decrease in funds when adjusted for inflation. ⁹ And in 2012, budget cuts affecting half of all state and local STI programs forced almost two dozen local health departments around the country to close their STI clinics, while more than 50% of the remaining state and local health departments experienced budget cuts, leading to reduced clinic hours, screening services or tracing efforts to find people who may have had infections. ²⁸ In 2019, one-quarter of all Title X family planning sites (representing nearly half of all patients served by the program nationally) left the program after the Trump administration transformed it from one that supported high-quality, low-cost sexual and reproductive health care to one that restricts providers' ability to offer a full range of services. ²⁹ This is a huge loss for a program that, in 2018, served 1.6 million people younger than 25 and provided over one million chlamydia tests to that age-group. ³⁰

Offer preventive care. Public health practitioners approach STI prevention from two angles: preventing individuals from obtaining an infection in the first place, and preventing them from spreading it to others. Key methods of prevention include condoms, vaccines and expedited partner therapy, in which a provider supplies prescriptions or medications to a patient's partners without first diagnosing the partners.

Condoms are the most effective and popular way for sexually active people to prevent STIs, but there is room for improvement. Between 2013 and 2017, condom use gradually declined among high schoolers. ³¹ Experts hypothesize that increased reliance on other HIV-prevention methods (such as preexposure prophylaxis, or PrEP) and long-acting reversible contraceptive methods are driving this trend, but acknowledge that further research is needed. Reliance on condoms is limiting because they are currently the only method available to simultaneously prevent pregnancy and the spread of STIs. Not having a wider selection of multipurpose prevention technologies undermines STI prevention efforts and makes STI prevention difficult for people who do not or cannot use condoms.

The paucity of STI vaccines is another barrier to prevention. There are currently only vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and some strains of HPV. 32 The HPV vaccine demonstrates the potential power of an STI vaccine: Since its introduction in 2006, HPV infections have declined among adolescent girls by 71% and women in their early 20s by 61%, ³³ despite the fact that uptake of the HPV vaccine has lagged behind other vaccines for adolescents. 34,35

Guarantee dignified and supportive care. STI prevention, testing and treatment are highly stigmatized topics that young people are often reticent to discuss, but providers and insurers have an opportunity to create an environment in which all patients feel respected and cared for. Such a climate would allow young patients to meet with providers without their parents' permission or knowledge. Further, providers and insurers should have the training and resources to recognize and respect patients with a variety of cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations and gender identities.

Unfortunately, conservative ideologies that stigmatize sexually active young people have been operationalized into policies that impact the quality of care available to them. The 2019 changes to the Title X national family planning program (known as the domestic "gag rule") intentionally stigmatize and alienate patients younger than 18 who have STIs, making it harder for them to get the care they need. ³⁶

Several types of state-level policies block adolescents from receiving confidential care or consenting to their own care. Laws in 18 states explicitly allow physicians to inform minors' parents that they are seeking or receiving STI services and 12 states require minors to be of a certain age (usually 12 or 14) before being able to consent to non-HIV STI care on their own. ³⁷ These policies are harmful to adolescents as they are less likely to seek sexual or reproductive health care, including STI services, if they believe that their parents will find out about it. ³⁸

Confidentiality concerns related to health insurance may also dissuade adolescents and young adults from seeking care related to STIs. People insured as dependents, including adolescents and young people on their parents' insurance plans, can have their confidentiality breached when an explanation of benefits form is automatically sent to the holder of the insurance policy (usually their parent) after a medical visit. 39,40 The document provides a detailed description of services provided, meaning it can reveal that a dependent has been screened or treated for an STI.

Proactive Policy Recommendations

To address the rising tide of STIs among young people, policymakers and advocates should focus their efforts on a few key actions that will support high-quality sexual health information and care for all young people.

Prioritize care for marginalized youth. The Youth Access to Sexual Health Services Act would create federal grants to support the availability of high-quality sexual health services for vulnerable young people. ⁴¹ The grants would serve people younger than 26 who are disadvantaged because of underlying structural barriers or social inequities. Given the higher prevalence of STIs among certain marginalized groups and the barriers to STI prevention and treatment that come along with marginalization, investing resources in programs that specifically serve these groups would have a high return.

Commit to high-quality sex education. The Real Education for Healthy Youth Act (REHYA) would redirect funds from the Title V abstinence-only grant program to a new grant program that funds comprehensive sex education programs in high schools, colleges and organizations that focus on adolescent health. ⁴² Programs funded through this law would help young people make informed, responsible and healthy decisions throughout their lives, including by equipping them with skills to avoid STIs and communicate about STIs with their partners. Entities that serve groups disproportionately impacted by STIs would be given funding priority.

REHYA would zero out funding for the Title V abstinence-only program, but federal lawmakers should also zero out funding for the other federal abstinence-only education program ("Sexual Risk Avoidance Education"). State legislators have an opportunity to expand the scope of their sex education requirements to better meet the needs of young people. State lawmakers are increasingly pursuing legislation that emphasizes consent in sexual relationships, equips adolescents with skills to establish healthy relationships, and responds to the needs of young people with a range of sexual orientations and gender identities. 43,44

Expand access to clinical care. Federal and state policymakers should invest resources in STI clinics in order to reduce the barriers to STI testing and treatment that many young people face. With additional funding, clinics could extend their hours, expand staff capacity and cover medical fees for patients who need financial assistance. Where feasible, clinics could also distribute at-home test kits that would allow patients to test for STIs on their own time and in a comfortable setting. ⁴⁵ Clinics could offer counseling and prescriptions remotely, meaning that the patient does not have to visit a clinic in person. On the federal level, the Title X gag rule should be rescinded and the program restored to its full capacity. ²⁹

Invest in preventive technology, vaccines and antibiotics. Adolescents and young adults would benefit from increased investment in research and development of technologies that offer protection against STIs. Internal and external condoms are currently the only mechanisms that allow people to simultaneously prevent pregnancy and STIs, but expanding young people's options would enable them to find the method that best fits their wants and needs. A wider range of vaccines in general, along with efforts to improve uptake of the HPV vaccine, would also ensure broader protection against STIs. And as some STIs become resistant to current antibiotics, it is increasingly important to develop new and more effective treatment options.

Safeguard confidential care. Policies governing providers and insurance carriers should support young people's confidentiality when seeking STI-related care. For example, every state should have policies stating that minors have the right to consent to STI care and receive that care without notice to their parents. If a provider uses electronic health records, that system should be designed within the confines of state and federal laws to protect adolescents and other patients insured as dependents (e.g., records are not automatically viewable by a parent, process for adolescent patients to affirmatively consent to sharing records with a parent). States should take steps to protect the confidentiality of people insured as dependents, such as by ensuring that explanation of benefits forms limit the detail provided for sensitive services such as STI care. ⁴⁰ Finally, adolescents and young adults must be informed of the level of confidential treatment they will receive before obtaining care.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Reducing STI Cases: Young People Deserve Better Sexual Health Information and Services

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The number of STIs is increasing in the United States, especially among adolescents and young adults. In 2018, combined cases of syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia reached an all-time high after rising for the fifth year in a row.1 Between 2014 and 2018, cases of chlamydia, one of the most common STIs, increased by 15%.2 Although less prevalent overall, gonorrhea and syphilis increased by 35%3 and 50%,4 respectively.

# data[].attributes.body
Young people deserve accurate an complete sex education in order to avoid STIs and mitigate their effects (Source 1).

# data[].attributes.body
Sex education classes should teach young people about prevention, transmission, symptoms and treatment of STIs (Source 1).

# data[].attributes.body
It should give students the skills to promote healthy relationships, consent and condom use (Source 1).

# data[].attributes.body
Sex education classes should be age appropriate and respectful to different cultures, sexual orientation, and gender identities (Source 1).

# data[].attributes.body
Some states have Abstinence Only Programs, which are not very effective because sex is natural and eventually will happen. When ever sex happens teens will still be unaware of what could happen to them and how to prevent it (Source 1).

# data[].attributes.body
There is 62% of people ages 15 - 24 that have positive chlamydia cases (Source 1).

# data[].attributes.body
Preventing and treating STIs can be taught through healthy sex education, this increases routine screenings, disease management and prevention (Source 1).

# data[].attributes.body
Policy makers feel that people that are at such a young age shouldnt have sex education. They feel that access will encourage adolescents to have sex more and more (Source 1).

# data[].attributes.body
Sex Education is important because se is a part of many adolescents and young people's lives. Two - thirds of 18 year olds have had sex, by age 25 more than 9 in 10 will have had sex (Source 1)

# data[].attributes.body
When an STD or an STI is left untreated it can cause fertility, poor pregnancy and birth outcomes for women. it can also increase the risk of someone getting a new or transmitting STIs. Especially HIV (Source 1)

# data[].attributes.body
Young women usually are susceptible to infection for some STIs, such as chlamydia, because of the cellular makeup of their cervixes (Source 1).

# data[].attributes.body
People ages 15-24 make up 13% of the population, but account for 22% of syphilis, 42% of gonorrhea, and 62% of chlamydia (Source 1).

# data[].attributes.body
Interview with Lucy Blumberg with IWES

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Create a new document and edit with others at the same time -- from your computer, phone or tablet. Get stuff done with or without an internet connection. Use Docs to edit Word files. Free from Google.

# data[].attributes.body
Kids can start learning the differences of males and females and what not to do in second grade, If you start to make kids not talk about it at such a young age it teaches them that it is shameful or wrong - there is different things that are discussed when kids reach certain ages (Source 2).

# data[].attributes.body
Abstinence Only Programs or no sex ed classes at all add on too shame and continues to give off that sex is wrong, the programs don't work anyway because sex happens eventually it will happen and those teens won't be prepared (Source 2).

# data[].attributes.body
It should cover the reasons why people have sex, pleasure, healthy and unhealthy relationships, and consent (Source 2).

# data[].attributes.body
Teens don't know much about their actual bodies and how they work behind the scenes, with no knowledge of what's going on in their bodies can affect them in a major way (Source 2).

# data[].attributes.body
Some people start to have sex around 12 and 13, so it is good for them to start learning early (Source 2).

# data[].attributes.body
The students are the ones living day to day so they should be able to distinguish what they want to talk about  (Source 2).

# data[].attributes.body
Queer and trans sex ed is also left out (Source 2).

# data[].attributes.body
They (the government) use fear tactics they are scared of change, they feel that not talking about it decreases the chance of people having sex at young ages which has proven to be not very effective at all (Source 2).

# data[].attributes.body
Not having sex ed classes has a huge negative impact on people because the more people know about sex they are more likely to make decisions to protect themselves (Source 2).

# data[].attributes.body
Interview with Nurse Adam

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Create a new document and edit with others at the same time -- from your computer, phone or tablet. Get stuff done with or without an internet connection. Use Docs to edit Word files. Free from Google.

# data[].attributes.body
There is not mandatory comprehensive sex ed in louisiana (Source 3).

# data[].attributes.body
At one point Louisiana was the #1 state with the highest pregnancy and Std rate compared to the national rate and other states (Source 3).

# data[].attributes.body
Most people within the government doesn't wan their kids to be taught about sex. They don't want their kids to talk about certain things (Source 3).

# data[].attributes.body
The best way to do it is to have a comprehensive curriculum including teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and mental health issues (Source 3).

# data[].attributes.body
Drug abuse, because teenagers who use drugs are more likely to engage in risky behaviors that lead to teenage sexual activity (Source 3).

# data[].attributes.body
“If you tell them don’t talk about it then it teaches them at a young age that it is shameful and inappropriate.” - Lucy Blumberg (Source 2).

# data[].attributes.body
“It is so nice to create a space where people feel comfortable asking question about that stuff [sex].” - Lucy Blumberg. Teens need a safe place to talk about things and learn about their bodies (Source 2).

# data[].attributes.body
Studies have shown that teaching sex ed does not increase sexual behavior (Source 2).

# data[].attributes.body
Interivew with Nurse Candis Netter

# data[].attributes.body
STDs and STIs impact mental health because there is embarrassment and shame and guilt, which causes stress (Source 4).

# data[].attributes.body
In most situations people don't see a doctor until there's a problem, they do not have the information that they need (Source 4).

# data[].attributes.body
Sex ed in schools is complicated, when there's religion involved and parents who doesn't want their kids to learn about certain things in school (Source 4).

# data[].attributes.body
herpes is probably the most common std people have, a couple years ago it was 1/3 of the population (Source 4).

# data[].attributes.body
"It makes reckless teenagers have sex without information" (Source 4).

# data[].attributes.body
"If abstinence worked , we wouldn't be on this topic!" The lack of information does not stop people from having sex (Source 4).

# data[].attributes.body
“Time as proven that people will have sex whether you teach them about sex or not. It is better to be informed than uninformed.” (Source 4).

# data[].attributes.body
Comprehensive sex education in schools is complicated and difficult (Source 4).

# data[].attributes.body
When you bring sex ed in the classroom, you have to consider religion and gender, parent agreement. In a class, let’s say someone is catholic; they don’t believe in birth control you don’t want to teach it (Source 4).

# data[].attributes.body
(Source 1)

# data[].attributes.body
Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, are infections that have not yet developed into diseases, and can include bacteria, viruses, or parasites such as pubic lice. They are usually transmitted during sexual activities through an exchange of bodily fluids or skin-to-skin contact where the infection is active.

Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, on the other hand, are diseases that result from STIs, and therefore suggest a more serious problem. All STDs start out as infection (STI)

Source https://publichealth.tulane.edu/blog/sti-vs-std/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Each year, 20 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, infect Americans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that half of those infected are people between 15 and 24 years old. These conditions include bacterial infections, parasites, and viruses. Although antibiotics and antiviral medications can cure some of them, others have no cures yet and can require ongoing treatment. The good news is most STDs are preventable, and the risk of contracting some can be lessened with vaccines. However, STDs, especially when they remain untreated, pose serious health risks. First, untreated individuals often pass their conditions on to others. Second, according to the CDC, untreated STDs can result in lasting damage to health, including reproductive problems, chronic pain, cancer, fetal and perinatal issues, and increased risk of contracting HIV.

STDs have skyrocketed in recent years. The CDC's "Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance Report," covering data from 2018, found that rates of syphilis have increased by 71 percent, gonorrhea by 63 percent, and chlamydia by 19 percent since 2014. In fact, the combined number of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia cases in the United States reached an all-time record in 2018. The CDC attributes this to several factors, among them a declining use of condoms, especially among young people and men who have sex with men. Fortunately, individuals - especially college students, a group tending to be at high risk - can take a proactive approach to sexual health by staying informed.

Learning about STDs can start with understanding the significance of the terms used in sexual health discussions, for example, STI vs. STD. In addition, individuals can benefit from prevention tips and resources to turn to should they suspect they have an STD.

STI vs. STD: What Is the Difference?

The terms STI and STD sound similar, and some health organizations use them interchangeably. Technically, however, STIs and STDs are different.

Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, are infections that have not yet developed into diseases, and can include bacteria, viruses, or parasites such as pubic lice. They are usually transmitted during sexual activities through an exchange of bodily fluids or skin-to-skin contact where the infection is active. Nonsexual activities in which bodily fluids are exchanged can also transmit STIs. For example, people who share needles can infect each other with HIV.

Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, on the other hand, are diseases that result from STIs, and therefore suggest a more serious problem. All STDs start out as infections. Pathogens enter the body and begin multiplying. When these pathogens disrupt normal body functions or damage structures in the body, they become STDs. However, some STIs may never develop into diseases. For example, most HPV cases go away on their own without causing health problems. In these instances, the HPV is an STI. If the HPV infection develops into genital warts or cervical cancer, then it is considered an STD.

According to the American Sexual Health Association, a growing number of public health experts believe the term STD can mislead people because "disease" suggests a person has an obvious medical problem, which is not always the case. For this reason the term "infection" is often considered more accurate.

Prevention Tips

Individuals can try to keep themselves STI and STD free in several ways. Some of these options may not fit certain lifestyle choices and preferences. However, people can use a variety of methods to reduce their risk of STI and STD contraction. What matters is that individuals choose a method, or a combination of methods, that suits their needs.

Avoid Exposure

Avoiding exposure to infected bodily fluids is the best way to avoid STIs and STDs. This may mean abstaining from sex or avoiding the transfer of bodily fluids in other ways, like using barrier devices including condoms, or not sharing needles. Latex condoms can be effective for STIs transmitted exclusively through genital fluids, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and trichomoniasis. However, because condoms may not cover all infected areas, they may not successfully protect people from STIs transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, such as syphilis, herpes, and HPV, according to the CDC.

Another option is mutual monogamy between people who have no prior sexual experience or who are STI and STD free. Although this arrangement does not eliminate all risks, it can significantly limit exposure to STIs and STDs. People who choose this option should get tested for STIs/STDs and wait for negative results before engaging in sexual activities with their partner.

Opt For Vaccines

Vaccinations are another form of prevention - people can get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B, as well as for HPV. Vaccinations for HIV and herpes are in the works and may be available soon, according to the American Sexual Health Association. Until the vaccine for HIV becomes available, however, individuals in high-risk situations for the virus can take pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, a pill taken daily to prevent HIV contraction. PrEP prevents 99 percent of sexually contracted HIV cases; however, it does not guard against other STIs.

Get Tested

Sexually active individuals can safeguard their health by scheduling regular doctor visits and getting tested regularly for STIs and STDs. People living in remote areas or in other situations where testing may not be readily available may find help and resources from Planned Parenthood. According to Planned Parenthood, more than half of their health centers are in rural and medically underserved areas. By calling their national hotline, 1-800-230-PLAN, individuals can find health centers near them. Mobile clinics, or customized medical vehicles that travel to underserved communities to provide care, may also help individuals with limited access. Additionally, local nonprofit organizations often provide care and treatment at reduced costs.

Getting Help

Talk to a medical professional to learn more about STIs vs. STDs or to deal with concerns about STI exposure. Trained professionals can offer reliable information and perform STI testing when needed. These services are available at doctor's offices, hospitals, medical nonprofits, or urgent care facilities. In addition, many colleges offer confidential, nonjudgemental healthcare through campus health centers where students can get screened for STDs, schedule appointments with trained nurses at reduced rates, have access to free condoms and other safe sex supplies, and get specific information about particular STIs and their symptoms and treatment.

When people contract STIs or think they may have been exposed to an STI, anxiety and fear easily take over. Luckily, almost all universities offer counseling and on-site clinics. Going to a counseling center, either on or off campus, can help manage the stress and anxiety surrounding STIs. Often, student fees cover on-campus counseling services. Colleges also sometimes offer counseling at reduced rates after the first few sessions.

Public Health and Sexual Health

Sexual health plays an important role in people's lives. It can impact a person's emotional, physical, and mental well-being. That is why everyone should have access to the resources and information they need to maintain good sexual health. Professionals who earn a Master of Public Health can help promote sexual health in many ways.

They can:

Use data to evaluate the current surge in STIs and determine effective approaches to address it.

Advocate for increased funding and expansion of sexual health programs that improve access to STI testing, information about prevention measures, and sexual health resources.

Develop programs that encourage safer sex practices, educate people about risk factors for STIs, and increase awareness about the importance of STI screening.

Conduct research to better understand the drop in condom use and how to address it.

Use their behavioral science expertise to devise strategies that motivate high-risk groups to make choices that safeguard sexual health.

Sources
American Academy of Family Physicians, "Importance of Sexual Health" American Sexual Health Association, Prevention Tips American Sexual Health Association, STDs/STIs American Sexual Health Association, Vaccines Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Condom Fact Sheet in Brief Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Genital HPV Infection - Fact Sheet Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Gonorrhea - CDC Fact Sheet Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "A Public Health Approach for Advancing Sexual Health in the United States: Rationale and Options for Implementation" Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance 2018 Healthline, Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Curable and Incurable Inside Higher Ed, "Colleges vs. STDs" The New York Times, "Sexually Transmitted Disease Cases Rise to Record High, C.D.C. Says" Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Sexually Transmitted Diseases Planned Parenthood, Contact Us Planned Parenthood, FACT CHECK: Planned Parenthood Is Essential Care for Rural Women Psychology Today, "Counseling and Psychological Services for College Students" STDCheck, STI vs. STD Tulane University, Master of Public Health WebMD, Understanding Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
STI vs. STD: Key Differences & Resources for Students | Tulane University

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Each year, 20 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, infect Americans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that half of those infected are people between 15 and 24 years old. These conditions include bacterial infections, parasites, and viruses.