Why teach abstinence to your teens? Because everything is at stake. They need the factsÑand they need to hear it from you. Communication is the key to a better, healthier understanding about relationships and the consequences associated with risky sexual behavior. Talk with your kids and get them to consider these facts concerning sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs:
• Some STDs are incurable and can eventually kill
• Every year 4 million teens acquire an STD. That is 10,959 every day, 457 every hour, one every 8 seconds.
• Some STDs are incurable and can eventually kill.
• More than half of Americans will have an STI (STD) at some point in their lifetime.
• Of the 18.9 million new cases of STIs each year, 9.1 million (48%) occur among 15-24-year-olds.
• STDs are contagious even though no symptoms exist.
• Four out of 10 teenage girls are infected with at least one STD the first time they have sex.
• 65 million Americans are infected with an incurable STD.
• 35-50 different kinds of STDs exist.
• STDs often cause chronic pain and permanent damage.
• Infection with other STDs increases the possibility of contracting AIDS.
• New strains of STDs are resistant to treatment.
• Each year, an additional 6.2 million people become newly infected in the U.S. As many as half of infected males and females with HPV are adolescents and young adults, 15-24 years of age.
If you become involved sexually, you need to know the risks....
Beware...Your partner may not know he/she has an STD...has an STD. 80% of those infected do not know it.
Beware....Your partner may not tell you the truth if he/she has been sexually active in the past.
Beware...Condoms do not prevent STDs: Some STDs are transmitted skin-to-skin.
Beware...You can have an STD and have no symptoms for weeks, months, possibly years. STDs are contagious even though no symptoms exist.
Beware...Teens are much more susceptible to STD infection and damage because their bodies arenÕt as developed as adults.
Beware...It is extremely important to see a doctor for a check-up if you - or your partner - have had a sexual experience outside of marriage even if no symptoms exist..
Avoid the risks... Save Sex for Marriage
If you engage in premarital sexual activity:
1. You are very likely to contract an STD
2. You may have an STD and not realize it until it's "too late"
3. You could be legally liable if you infect someone
If you discover that you have an STD:
1. You need treatment immediately
2. You must stop sexual activity
3. You need to notify your sexual partners