STD’s are on the rise: things you need to know

According to a recent study headed by Dr Tony Steele, 70% of single women regularly have unprotected sex. The study found that, although women ages 18 to 40 were the highest offenders and the most at-risk group for contracting STD’s, women between the ages of 30 and 40 practiced unsafe sex more often than women in the 18 to 29 age bracket.

Dr. Steele’s studies also discovered that a majority of sexual encounters with strangers occurred while women were on vacation. He tells Body and Soul, “Unsafe sex on holiday is a major concern, particularly where women plan ahead to have sex with new partners without using condoms.”

He also says that women who have sex without contraception simply increase their chances of getting a sexually transmitted infection. His study concluded that despite being older and wiser, women 40 and over were twice as likely to experience an unplanned pregnancy.

Although all age groups agree that safe sex should be an equal responsibility of both men and women, Dr. Steele wants people to know that practicing safe sex and using contraception is the responsibility of both partners. When men are not doing their part, women still need to protect themselves to avoid issues such as unwanted pregnancies and STIs.

An article published by Madeline Vann, MPH and Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPH, says that approximately 19 million new sexually transmitted disease infections are reported each year, with women between the ages of 19 to 24 suffering the majority of these STD’s. They report that, according the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the most common STDs reported by women are:

• Gonorrhea: one of the most common STD’s in young adults with very few obvious symptoms.
• Syphilis: a chronic and highly infectious disease characterized by genital sores.
• Chlamydia: a common STD with few obvious symptoms that can cause infertility if left untreated.
• Genital herpes: a sexually transmitted viral infection that can cause painful blisters.
• HIV/AIDS: a highly infectious immunodeficiency virus infection that, if left untreated, can cause death.

Abstaining from sex is obviously the most effective way to protect yourself against STD’s. When you are out in a festive atmosphere, it’s important to not allow substances such as drugs or alcohol alter your thinking.

Since it is the responsibility of both people to prevent STD’s, talk with your partner before becoming sexually involved. If you don’t know your partner very well, using a latex condom can greatly reduce your chances of contracting STD’s.