According to teensource.com, studies shows there are 19 million new cases of people getting infected with STDs each year. One-fourth of them are teens. Women between the age of 15 and 19 years have the highest rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea. For men, chlamydia rates have went up 14 percent each year for the past four years. Studies also show that 63 percent of syphilis cases were men having sex with other men (MSM).

     I know that sexuality is a very taboo subject in todays society, but here is an interesting fact: did you know that half of young adults and teens will get a STD before they turn 25 and many of them will have no idea. If you’re having any kind of sex, the most common symptom of STDs is no symptom. The only way to know for sure is to get tested. Testing is confidential and, in some places, free. I don’t blame teens for not making safe choices in the dark. This just tells me that adults aren’t being good teachers in sex education. Therefore, I say we take matters in our own hands and research ourselves. Once again, don’t forget that testing yourself is important and free at your local Planned Parenthood.

Tags: community, spotlight, STD