Yes, they’re still out there. I don’t even know
your child and I feel weird right now just writing about it, but the fact is
that Sexually Transmitted Diseases/ Infections, or STD’s/ STIs, are alive and
well and of the 20 million new cases diagnosed each year, half will be
diagnosed in young adults aged 15-24. This puts college students right in the
middle of this age range.27
The views of parents and families vary so
widely about sex that I could not possibly anticipate a scenario for a
discussion between you and your child. But, the most important thing to know
about STD’s is that ignoring them will not make them go away. Even the most
socially conservative student should know what they are, how to prevent them
and what to do if they suspect they have one. Embarrassment or shame should not
prevent your child from seeking and receiving medical care, especially when his
general health and well being is at risk. College health centers deal with STDs
on a regular basis; in fact, many offer educational programs on prevention,
abstinence, and treatment.
Some basic facts about STD/Is
·
The most
reliable ways to prevent transmission are abstinence or being in a long term,
monogamous relationship with an uninfected and faithful partner.
·
Latex
condoms, if used properly and with every sexual encounter can reduce the risk
of transmitting some STDs.
·
Women who
are sexually active should have annual pelvic exams and be tested for
Chlamydia. Chlamydia symptoms are often unnoticed and if left untreated, the
disease can cause infertility
·
If
diagnosed with a STD it is the individual’s responsibility to notify his
partner(s) as soon as a diagnosis is made.
·
The Human
Papillomavirus or HPV can go unnoticed and if untreated can cause a number of
cancers, most commonly, cervical cancer. The vaccine for HPV can be
administered as young as 11 years of age, but since it is not usually a
required vaccine for admission to school, many students go without vaccination.
Men and women who have not had the full vaccine by the time they enroll in
college can still be vaccinated through age 26.
