What is HPV?

According to recent national surveys, an estimated 50 percent of all high school students say they have had sex. But how much do these teens know about the risks of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?

“I don’t think they know as much as we would like them to know,” answers Leola Reis, vice president of communications, education and outreach for Planned Parenthood in Atlanta.

According to a report from the University of North Carolina, STDs are so pervasive, that one out of every two sexually-active young people will become infected by age 25.

Among the most prevalent diseases: HPV (Human Papilloma Virus), Trichomoniasis, and Chlamydia. Together, the three diseases account for 88 percent of all new STD cases in youth. Often, there are no symptoms.

“Because young people don’t usually seek out preventive healthcare, they usually come in when something is going on,” says Reis. “If there are no symptoms, a young person may not seek healthcare until they’ve done some serious damage to their bodies, and so getting young people to know that there are risks involved, encouraging them to get healthcare. . .is really important.”

Despite the risks, many teens remain complacent.

“They won’t stop having sex,” says one youth, Clinton Slater, 20. “If anything, they’ll hide whatever they have.”

Experts say that’s why parents have to make it clear: STDs are serious. Some can result in cancer, infertility and even death.

“If we can have more conversations about the risks of STDs with young people, so they know what’s at stake, we’re hoping they will do as good a job as they have in protecting themselves against pregnancy,” says Reis.

By Larry Eldridge, Jr.
CWK Network, Inc.

Many people feel that pressure from the media, advertisers and peers contributes to today’s increase in sexual activity among youth. Consequently, cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are also on the rise. Consider the following statistics provided by the American Social Health Association:

• It is estimated that more than 65 million people in the U.S. have an incurable STD. Every year, there are approximately 15 million new cases of STDs, only a few of which are curable.
• Two-thirds of all STDs occur in people 25 or younger.
• One-in-four new STD infections occur in teenagers.
• Cervical cancer in women is linked to high-risk types of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
• Of the STDs that are diagnosed, only four are required to be reported to state health departments and the CDC for statistical purposes – gonorrhea, syphilis, Chlamydia and hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is recent addition to that list.
• Hepatitis B is 100 times more infectious than HIV.
• STDs, other than HIV, cost more than $8 billion each year to diagnose and treat (both the disease and its complications).
• It is estimated that as many as one-in-four Americans have genital herpes, yet at least 80 percent of those with herpes are unaware they have it.
• At least one-in-four Americans will contract an STD at some point in their lives.
• Overall, herpes is the most common STD in the United States, with more than 45 million individuals having this lifelong (but harmless) virus. In a given year, however, it is estimated that more people will become infected with HPV than with herpes. More than 1 million people acquire herpes each year, but more than 5 million people acquire HPV each year. Some researchers believe that HPV infections may self-resolve and may not be lifelong like herpes.
• Less than half of adults ages 18 to 44 have ever been tested for an STD other than HIV/AIDS.
• At least 15 percent of all infertile American women are infertile because of tubal damage caused by pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), the result of an untreated STD.
• Approximately two-thirds of Hepatitis B (HBV) infections are transmitted sexually. HBV is linked to chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Talking to your child about sex and sexually transmitted diseases may not be something you look forward to, but it could be the most important step in protecting your child from risky sexual behavior. Studies show that teenagers who feel highly connected to their parents are far more likely to delay sexual activity than their peers. Before approaching this sensitive topic, consider the following tips developed by Peer to Peer: Stop, Think, Be Safe!

• Start early – Research shows that younger children seek their parent’s advice more than adolescents, who tend to depend more on their friends and the media. Take advantage of the opportunity to talk with your young children about sexual health. Discussing dating, relationships, STDs and HIV can make a lasting impression. And it gives you a chance to provide your children with accurate information that reflects your personal values and principles. The quality of parent-child relationships has an important influence on adolescents’ sexual behaviors.
• Initiate conversations with your child – Don’t wait for your children to ask you about sex, HIV or STDs. Although you can hope that your children come to you with their questions and concerns, it may not happen. Use everyday opportunities to talk about issues related to sexual health. For example, news stories, music, television shows or movies are great conversation starters for bringing up health topics. If your family is watching a television show where the teenagers are promiscuous or a teen is pregnant, ask your kids what they thought of the program when it’s over. Ask if they agree with the behavior or decisions of the teenagers in the show. Just a few questions can start a valuable conversation.
• Talk WITH your child, not AT your child – Make sure you listen to your children the way you want your children to listen to you. Try to ask questions that will encourage them to share specific information about feelings, decisions and actions. Try to understand exactly what your kids are saying. It is important for your kids to feel that they have been heard. Try not to be judgmental. Let your kids know that you value their opinions, even when they differ from your own.
• Create an open environment – Research shows that kids who feel their parents speak openly about sex and listen to them carefully are less likely to engage in high-risk behaviors, compared to teenagers who do not feel they can talk with their parents about sex. Adolescents who report a sense of connection to their parents, family and school, and who have a higher grade point average, are more likely than other teens to wait to engage in intercourse. Teens who report previous discussions of sexuality with parents are seven times more likely to feel able to communicate with a partner about HIV/AIDS than those who have not had such discussions. An open family environment not only reduces sexual risk-taking behaviors, it also gives teenagers a safe place to ask questions and get accurate information. As parents, be available, honest and attentive. Praise your children for coming to you to talk about sex, which will teach them that you are always available for information or advice.
• Be prepared and practice – It may not be easy to talk about sex with your kids. In fact, it can be extremely difficult for some parents. Don’t be afraid to practice. You can practice in front of a mirror, with your spouse or partner, or with friends. Your ability to speak comfortably about sexual health will make your children more comfortable asking questions and discussing sensitive issues.
• Be honest: It’s okay to say, “I don’t know” – When your children trust and value your opinion, they will be more likely to come to you with their questions and concerns. It’s also important to know that you do not need to be a sexual health expert. It’s okay if you don’t know all the answers to all of your children’s questions. It’s okay and honest to say, “I don’t know.” In fact, if you don’t know the answer to a question, you can search for the correct information together.
• Communicate your values – In addition to talking to your children about the biological facts of sex, it’s important that they also learn that sexual relationships involve emotions, caring and responsibility. Parents need to share their values and principles about sex. Although your children may not adopt these values as their own, they are an important source of information as your children develop their own set of values about sexuality.

American Social Health Association
Peer to Peer: Stop, Think, Be Safe!
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Campaign for our Children, Inc.