SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE (STD) INFORMATION

Currently, the United States is experiencing a sexually transmitted disease epidemic. According to The Medical Institute, this epidemic has developed during the last 30 years because of the increased sexual mixing of the population, i.e., more and more people changing sex partners. In the 1960's Syphilis and Gonorrhea, both easily treated with Penicillin, were the only important STD's (Sexually Transmitted Diseases). Today, there are over 20 significantly prevalent diseases with 15.3 million newly infected persons each year. It is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans over the age of 25 has been infected with a viral STD, which does not include bacterial diseases such as Chlamydia, Syphilis, and Gonorrhea. In teenagers 1 in every 3rd teen will develop an STD in the next year. While medical science has made great advances, the STD epidemic continues to grow. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can be "cured" with antibiotics, but can leave scars which often require future treatment and may cause infertility. Viral STD's pose a major problem, because no medical cure has been found for any virus. This means if a person becomes infected with a viral STD (such as Herpes, the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) there is no cure.

It has been touted by many that condoms offer the solution to the problems of STD's and unwanted pregnancies; but evidence has shown that condoms have a poor record in the prevention of pregnancy, with failure rates of up to 14-16 percent during the first year of use. In addition, scientific evidence demonstrates that condoms are unreliable in preventing the transmission of most STD's, especially the HIV/AIDS virus. Postponing sexual activity until marriage with an uninfected mate is the only way for teens and single adults to be 100 percent confident of avoiding STD infection and nonmarital pregnancy.

If more information or counseling is desired, a visit to the Corpus Christi Pregnancy Center is recommended.