Sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies are on the rise among women in their early 20s and 30s. Already, women ages 15 to 24 make up about half the number of the approximate 19 million STD infections that occur each year, estimated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
STDs have serious consequences for women. The three most reported ones are chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. Even their names sound horrible. Chlamydia and gonorrhea infections show no symptoms, but if untreated, serious effects can occur such as pelvic inflammatory disease. This disease can cause chronic pelvic pain, infertility or ectopic pregnancy, which is when the fetus develops somewhere outside the uterus such as the abdomen or fallopian tubes and can be deadly to the woman and the baby. Having these diseases can also increase the risk of HIV transmission and have consequences for men as well.
Syphilis can cause long-term complications in the brain, cardiovascular system and organs and can lead to death. If the disease is transferred to a fetus, it can cause physical deformity and neurological complications in the child. In 40 percent of cases, the infant dies soon after birth.
Why are we telling you this scary information? It is all negative, but there is some good news. These diseases are preventable.
Sexual Responsibility Week began on campus Monday to give students the information they need to prevent infection. The first event was a condom party in the First Year Residence Halls. The activity promoted safe sex and proper condom usage.
Women can choose from more than 50 brands of birth control pills, and they can pick which works best for them. The pill is easy to use, highly effective and decreases the risk of osteoporosis and ovarian cancer. Plus, certain types of pills can prevent acne breakouts, cause fewer periods and allow women to experience less pain when having their periods.
Contraceptives are much more advanced today than they were when they first started in 1850 B.C. The first protection was an Egyptian concoction of crocodile dung, honey and sodium carbonate. So take advantage of the technology we have and the availability of contraceptives and information that other parts of the world aren’t so lucky to have. An STD clinic will be from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday on campus, and the Twin Towers Dining Hall will have doctors to answer questions during “late night” the same day.
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