Human Sexuality and Sexually Transmitted Illness - Essay Example

Human Sexuality Introduction STI well known as Sexually Transmitted Illness is the infection transmitted from person to person. STI is transferred during intimate sex with a person who is previously infected. From the recent statistics of STI is observed that United States has the maximum influence of STI among men, women and young people throughout the year. It accounted for almost 19 million of the population being affected, where half of the population aged between 15-24 years. These cause serious health problems in the form of cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, pregnancy problems etc. Moreover HIV infection is serious symptoms in this case which leads to death and is non-curable. In the recent statistics of United States there has been a shocking image of the youth turned out. It is estimated that from 1989 to 2008 there has been a rise of Chlamydia syndrome from 102.5 to 401.3 among 15-24 years. Among women, incidences of Gonorrhea were at the peak. Globally adolescent and young pregnancy is highest in USA (CDC). So certain measures have been undertaken like adequate sex education, use of condoms, doctor’s frank suggestion etc to overcome the problem of STI’s in all over the world. The course of the study deals mainly on the growing sex attempts in the young generation and rise in the extent of HIV virus among them. The research entails some strategies for a prevention programme. Preventive Strategies Adolescence is an age where children become inquisitive about sex and explore their relationships with friends. They also become potential romantic partners or sexual partners falling prey to flirtation, dating and excitement of sexual feelings. They are much influenced by the sexual experiments among them. Due to the excitement and immaturity in their age, these teens are prone to STI and STD like diseases. Having a safer sex can be initiated by various measures like: Plan and talk to your partners about STD and STIs. Use of Condoms Guidance from Elders Having sex is not a crime but here should be transparency between the partners is important. The most important part of sex is to be away from STD infection and for that talking between the partners is very important. Both the partners should be aware of the fact whether their partners are affected or not or if the partner knows about STD and its consequences. Many teens before sex become excited and nervous to talk about issues on STD as being informed is no wrong. The conversation may be tough at times but an exact time and situation makes it easier (Kidshealth). Use of condoms during sex is widely practised between partners now-a-days as people are more concerned about their health and getting infected by STD’s or STI’s. Many times, the mothers are not prepared to be pregnant and opt for the use of condoms. In that case they can communicate with their partners like: (“If you’re a woman, you may want to say something like: “You know that at some point we may become intimate.” “This is what I expect from someone who loves and cares about me.” “I want you to be honest about your sexual history - I will be honest about mine.” “I want you to wear a condom when we make love.”). This is not wrong as making love between partners is natural and having safer sex is always good (SOGC). Other predictive measures can also be taken in case of teen pregnancy, where girls can reach out to their mother for help and ask for the further consequences. Using of contraceptive pills in the very teenage can lead to certain issues like anaemic and is more likely to develop preeclampsia, and high blood pressure. Vitamin deficiencies and the weight gain inadequately during the growing years of mother herself can be risky. It also leads to take extra care of the teen mother like eating properly and also taking care of foetus. So talking to someone who is experienced makes teens to be efficient of making wiser decisions. Key Preventive Measure Sex Education Sex Education is one preventive measure widely used in various schools mostly in the age-group of grade 7-12 in United States. Experts say that inclusion of Sex Education in curriculum along with study of oral sex and emotional concerns should be increased. According to NCSL, a survey says that in 2011, about 24 percent of oncoming HIV treatment were young people aged 13 to 24 (Advocates for Youth). In 1997, Federal government has spent about $1.5 billion in the including sex-education in schools. The results of inclusion have proven it to be valuable. Researchers have given facts that 50% of the pregnancy has decreased in the age group of 15- 19. Moreover “Researcher Douglas Kirby for the National Campaign to End Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy examined studies of prevention programs which had a strong experimental design and used appropriate analysis.” (Advocates for Youth). According to him huge percentage decreases of sex among teens have been noticed. Twenty three sex education programs were undertaken which showed decline n teen pregnancy, HIV or STI’s. Also use of Contraceptive pills during sex has increased instead of condoms. Many other programmes were initiated to reduce un-protective sex among teens (Advocates for Youth). So Sex-Education has in a way increased awareness among the teens and also among the parents who can understand their child as well. A similar experience has been faced by one of my friend who was subjected to teenage pregnancy. She was in her 10th standard when she had sex with a guy and became pregnant. She was criticised by many teachers, her parents, relatives and many more. She had to leave her school because he was to deliver a child and has to discontinue her studies. The hardships that she faced were due to the lack of awareness and emotional excitement of sex at a very young age. So sex-education is one such preventive measure which not only brings awareness but also a healthier nation. Other Preventive Measures From the above discussions it is seen that the current status of American culture is in vulnerable situation with rising teen pregnancy and undisputed adolescent sex. This situation has increased the incidence of HIV among teenage in huge quantity. So measures have been taken in United States to reduce magnitude of HIV. STD is a disease that can be curable but it has a high risk of life if the person is infected highly. Many activities like putting up of posters, leaflets, lectures on sex education and hosting HIV related cultural events to increase the knowledge and awareness of sex. Sex Education is one of the programmes taken by Government to increase the awareness of sex among teens. Several other steps are been taken to reduce STD infections, like encouraging use of condoms, no excessive use of drugs and alcohol, avoidance of anal sex, oral sex or vaginal sex etc. However awareness of all these strategies and accessibility to these preventive options are important. Moreover a new drug has been introduced in 2012, Truvada which helps to prevent HIV infections to those who are at high risk. According to the doctors, Truvada is helpful to prevent HIV infections (STDs). Conclusion This article considers that how helpful is sex education helpful in various ways. Various preventive measures have been taken to reduce the incidence of sex and pregnancy at a very early age. Moreover the increase in the number of abortions among the young girls has also increased in United States. Awareness has been increased among students in the form of Sex education. However lot more can be done in the direction suggested above. References Advocates for Youth, Comprehensive Sex Education, 2008, Web. August 7, 2014 from < http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/publications/1487?task=view> CDC, National Profile, 2008, Web. < http://www.cdc.gov/std/stats08/surv2008-NationalProfile.pdf > Kidshealth, Talking to your partner about STDs, August 8, 2014 from < http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/stds/the_talk.html#> STDs, Mayo Clinic, 2014, Web. August 7, 2014 from < http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/basics/prevention/con-20034128> SOGC, Sexual Health, Web. 2012, Read More