By: Sanaiya Moore & Shaniya Robinson-Owens
Image of Neisseria Gonnorrhaea bacteria, which causes Gonorrhea. Photo via The Native Antigen Company
Before participating in unprotected sex, have you contemplated the possibility of contracting an incurable disease? Vaginal, anal, and oral sex without protection increases your risk of catching an STD, or sexually transmitted disease. Herpes, HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), and AIDs (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) are examples of untreatable STDs. Whereas, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis are STDs that can be treated and cured. Nationally, the most common cases are chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. In Philadelphia, the city’s rates of these common STDs have immensely exceeded national rates, being more than twice the amount of cases in the U.S. Shockingly, our young people, ages 13-24, account for the majority of individuals who are at risk to contract an STD.
According to the American Sexual Health Association, the reason young people are at risk is because they are more likely than any other age group to participate in unprotected sex, have several sex partners, excessively use drugs and alcohol, and engage in risky behaviors under the influence.
Image of sex stats. Photo via Online Health
For more insight, we interviewed our fellow classmates on their opinions of STDs amongst teens. When asked about the stigma behind STDs and how they would feel if they had one, the students described their feelings to be embarrassed, devastated, ashamed, shameful, and regretful. They also agreed with the belief that if people find out that one of their peers is STD positive, then they will be called derogatory terms. Specifically, Leneece Rincon (Sophomore) stated that students avoid getting tested because they're scared of "seeing the results afterwards, whether you're positive or not." Following this question, students were asked why do young people continue to have unprotected sex if they are aware of the risk? Their answers were that it feels better, it makes them feel tough, and teenagers are in denial because they believe that only adults have STDs. Senior, Ashley Steele focused more on the parent influence in her response. She said, "Parents don’t go about it correctly. They’re always like 'you better not be doin' this' or they encourage the guys to do it, but not the girls and they’re just like 'you just better not be out here doin' it' instead of telling them what it is and how to be smart about it. And then you have kids learning from the internet and that’s never really a full education on its own, so it’s like if parents were actually open to talking about it with their kids, then there would be a lot less of this problem.”
With this student input, we wanted to find safe environments for teens that are sexually active or may need more education on the topic. We found that in Philadelphia there are many organizations across the city that are hidden in plain site. For example, you can go to 1101 Market St. on the 13 floor and find treatment if you live in the area. Also, the Department of Public Health consists of an STD Control Program that attempts to control the spreading of STDs. This program provides walk-in STD testing at two health centers: Health Center 1 and Health Center 5. Below is a table showing where they're located, their hours, and their contact information.
To get tested at these centers, you must be at least 13 years old. You are not required to make an appointment and their services are completely free. Outside of these centers, the STD Control Program provides testing, treatment for both you and your sex partner(s), education, urine-based screening, free condoms for both genders, advice, and consultations with medical workers. For teens who feel more comfortable talking over the phone, CHOICE Hotline is the best for you! This hotline provides information, counseling, education, and referrals at a free or low cost. Additionally, they offer pregnancy options, testing, emergency contraception, birth control, and STD testing throughout Philadelphia and surrounding counties. You would reach them at 215-985-3300/ Toll Free 1-800-84-TEENS/Spanish 215-985-3350.
If you would like to explore the other questions we asked students, answer any of the questions or even if you would like to see more articles with more student input the links are below ⬇️⬇️:
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