Yikes, it’s a scary time for people everywhere. With articles showing how approximately two-thirds of the world has some form of herpes and that rates of syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea increased last year for the first time in nearly a decade, it’s impossible not to be alarmed.
For chlamydia alone, more than 1.4 million cases of it were reported in 2014 – the highest ever annual amount for any STD – while syphilis cases increased by 15 percent and gonorrhea increased by 27.5 percent, says Gail Bolan as told to NBC News. As a matter of fact, this is actually the first time since 2006 that all three of the above (and notably notorious) sexually transmitted disease have increased.
Perhaps almost as shocking as the number itself is the age group it has largely affected. Young adults are apparently getting infected soon after they first begin having sex. The CDC is estimating that half of the 20 million new sexually transmitted infections that occur everywhere are by people who are merely among the 15-25 year age group.
While some of it can be blamed on evolving sentiments on sex and the culture surrounding it, a huge part can also be blamed on more and more budget cuts on sexual education. So what can you do to protect yourself?
Well, first it’s important to know that these diseases can be transmitted through anal, oral or vaginal intercourse, so if you hear any rumors that one way is better than the other, it’s completely and totally false.
In addition, whatever way you do chose to have sex, make sure you are protected with a condom. If you’re in a long-term, healthy, monogamous relationship, make sure to each get tested and get in the clear before you decide to have unprotected sex.
Regardless of whether or not you are in a monogamous relationship, you should regularly get tested anyhow. A lot of these diseases can be easily remedied. If they’re not, they may lead to long term and potentially devastating effects like the inability bear children in women!
On a final note, always make sure you are educating yourself, your friends and your family.
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What are you doing to prevent these STDs on the rise?
