Sophia Kim

Period 1

Mr.Rivas

AP English Language and Composition B

GPO: Investigate the World & Communicate Ideas

24 May 2019

Becoming Aware Before Becoming Active: The Importance of Sex Education

While preventative measures and medical consultants are readily available for teenagers,

STDs are still a prevalent, global issue in today's society. However, when ignoring serious health

problems, such as STDs, this can be fatal. Which is why it is important for teens to be informed

about the lifelong consequences of these diseases. While many teens are introduced to these

sexually transmitted diseases and even pregnancies at a young age, the probability for a teen to

encounter a sexually transmitted disease within their high school career is remains at a twenty

percent chance, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Teenagers and young adults

are a vulnerable population because they make decisions and act in ways that put them at greater

risk for STDs. By raising awareness and educating the youth of our society, we will be able to

prevent, or even cure, the spread of STDs. Although curing STDs doesn’t happen overnight, the

first step into alleviating this issue is increasing awareness. In order to do so, an easy way to

access young adolescents is through education in schools. By providing them with knowledge

through health classes and educational health programs, this will be able to prevent diseases such

as STDs from transmitting.

With the rise of teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, we as a society

should raise awareness through schools. Study shows that raising awareness of STDs at school
do have an “adequate effect” on the students. According to the researchers, Kirby, Laris, and

Rolleri, “The evidence is strong that programs do not hasten or increase sexual behavior but,

instead, some programs delay or decrease sexual behaviors or increase condom or contraceptive

use.”(Kirby et al. 1). As stated within the researcher’s quote, the programs are proven to “delay

or decrease sexual behavior,” which means that adolescents will be able to comprehend what

they learned within these programs before taking action. Although informative programs will not

completely eradicate any future occurrences of STDs, we will be able to have the adolescents

become aware of what they are at risk for-- pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Schools

with condoms available to students were more likely to receive instructions of condom use and

less likely to report lifetime or recent sexual intercourse. As stated by researchers Blake, Ledsky,

Goodenow, Sawyer, Lohrmann, “Sexually active adolescents in these schools were twice as

likely to use condoms but less likely to use other contraceptive methods, during their most recent

sexual encounter.” (Blake et al. 1). With such evidence, instructional use of contraceptives (birth

control) within a learning environment, like schools, proves that prevention is an effective after

instruction. Sex education is known to be widely supported by the vast majority of people in the

United States. Depending on state’s laws, there are different programs that focus on such issues.

The division between the sex education students should be receiving and what they are actually

experiencing is extensive. According to the 2014 CDC School Health Profiles, “fewer than half

of the high schools and only a fifth of middle schools teach all sixteen topics recommended by

the CDC as essential components of sex education.” These subjects vary from basic information

such as how HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases are transmitted-- and how to prevent

infection-- to critical communication and decision-making skills. With this decline in formal

education there was also no increase of parental or guardian involvement at home, in terms of
further precautions that should be taken.

Schools with trained peer counselors and educators (PCEs) will be able to lead school-

wide activities and classroom sessions, guiding the students to alternative strategies. PCEs cover

topics that include STD/HIV information, community health resources, communication and

negotiation skills, and safer sex strategies. “Teachers and students rated the PCEs effective in

promoting discussion and serving as a source of information about AIDS and community health

resources.” (O’Harra et al. 1). Although students may regard this information as irrelevant during

adolescence, this type of source will help students think more intuitively about their choices. A

source like this is not only effective for students to gather information from, but also could help

them when in need of aid.

If some students are too shy to ask for this information, an example of a sexual-related

information texting resource is SEXINFO. This resource is a reliable sexual health text

messaging program for the youth, established in San Francisco. Using this resource is quite

simple. By texting a simple message, adolescents will be able to find out what to do if a condom

broke, receive advice on deciding if they are ready to have sex, and more. With this, there are

many other resources minors can reach out for help. When considering the adolescent’s

perspective, discussing these topics with a parent or grown-up figure may seem a bit

uncomfortable. However, asking for help and becoming aware of sexual-related information

should not be embarrassing, but should become the normality of our society. SEXINFO is a

stepping-stone for our adolescents to move out of their comfort zone. As technology advances,

this will only become a benefit towards sexually transmitted diseases. If only high schools

started to implement this type of program within their districts this would become a

revolutionary breakthrough. Students will not only be able to have a dependable resource to
reach out to, but will also be able to be more aware of the certain risk factors that come along

with sexual intercourse.

Informing adolescents about sexually transmitted diseases can be life-changing

knowledge. As stated above, talking to teens and even children about STDs does not make it

more likely that they will have sex. Albeit, if they do become sexually active, they will become

aware of the risks and they will also know how to protect themselves and their partner from such

life-threatening diseases. It is known that the stage of adolescence is a complicated and

interesting stage of brain development. Adolescents are developing abstract thinking, yet also

yield a sort of bulletproof mentality. “They still think if they wish for something not to happen, it

won’t.” (Duff 2). A non-STD example is pregnancy. Many teens think that they will not get

pregnant without the use of contraceptives. However, statistics have proven that a sexually active

teen who doesn't use contraceptives has a ninety percent chance of becoming pregnant within a

year. Absence of mindfulness can have devastating effects on the body, mind, and emotional

well-being of an individual especially if the person is going through the phase of pre-adulthood.

“Education about sex, on the other hand, can help adolescents make responsible choices.”

(Lasser 1). With this, it is crucially important to advise teens about sex, the precautions they

should keep in mind, and make sure that each partner gives consent.

Preventing sexually transmitted diseases from spreading amongst teens and young

adolescents is easier than expected to be. Primary prevention methods include abstinence (the

choice to not have sex), careful selection of partners, condoms, vaginal spermicides, and a

vaccine for Hepatitis B. Condoms are known to protect sexually transmitted diseases, only if

they are used consistently and correctly. Vaginal spermicides, a type of contraceptive, may also

reduce the risk of certain sexually transmitted diseases. Vaginal spermicides come in the forms of
creams, gels, and even foam. This type of contraceptive is to be placed inside the vagina and near

the cervix to kill off any sperm from reaching an egg and fertilizing it. The style and content of

counseling and health education should be adapted for adolescents. Discussions should also be

appropriate according to the student’s developmental level and should also identify the risk

behaviors, such as sex and drug-use. It is especially important to be careful and have thorough

discussions take place for the adolescents who may not acknowledge engaging in high-risk

behaviors. Multiple sexual partners, frequent sexual encounters, and a low prevalence of

consistent condom use can increase the risk of STD/HIV acquisition. According to the Journal of

Pediatric Psychology, in order to sufficiently prevent, diminish, and maintain the probability of

adolescents’ adopting sexual practices, mediation programs should be designed to address these

dimensions of causation. An example of this type of approach has been implemented in Brazil

and was shown to be effective. Although contraceptive behavior during the stage of adolescence

varies between countries and communities, it appears that one of the more popular techniques,

globally, are condoms and oral contraceptives (OC).

There really is no certain age for you to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases. “In

most states, once you are the age of 13, you can get checked and tested for STDs with a parent’s

involvement. Many family doctors or even pediatricians will agree to their patients

confidentiality as well.” (Teens Health, 4). If the adolescents are worried about financial issues,

such as insurance or other reasons as to why you don’t want your family doctor or pediatrician,

there are always resources, like health clinics to get tested for STDs. As stated by teensource.org

(page 1) you can get your own STD test at the age of 12 years old in California. There is also a

Californian law, also known as AB499 or Chapter 652 that was stautated on January 1, 2012 that

expanded legal authority of minors of 12 years or older to consent to confidential medical

services for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases without their parent’s consent.

(California Immunization Coalition, 1). With the many resources available to minors, specifically

teenagers, it should highly be suggested in schools to communicate ideas and recognize

perspectives among one another regarding this important matter.

From observing how many teens are attracting STDs/ STIs the majority of people seem to

to be unaware about where and how to get tested. This is another reason why it is important to

aid adolescents into becoming more aware of this type of information. Many people uninformed

that clinics specifically dedicated to sexually transmitted diseases even exist. Getting tested at

STD clinics is far better than being tested at regular clinics. Regardless, patients seem to not even

test for STDs. Research conducted by Lawrence, Montano, Kasprzyk, Armstrong, and Leichliter

shows that “STD screening levels are well below practice guidelines for woman and virtually

nonexistent for men.”(Lawrence et al. 1). Health departments must increase collaboration with

private physicians to improve the quality of STD care.

Sexually transmitted diseases come with many different symptoms, some even

devastatingly changing people’s lives forever. Unfortunately, the normal response to an illness is

to “wait and see” and if the symptoms persist, then visit the doctor. However, this type of

behavior is to not be encouraged with an STD. In accordance to researchers Leenaars, Rombouts,

and Kok, “Control of STDs is important considering the high incidence of acute infections

complications and sequelae, their social and economic impact and their role in increasing

transmission of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus.”(Leenaars et al. 1). If an individual has

multiple sexual partners, it is highly encouraged for you to get tested. Especially for those who

engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse.

When visiting the doctor and getting tested, the first thought that comes to many people’s
mind is “expenses.” Yes, getting tested at hospitals or clinics may be expensive, however,

sexually transmitted disease testing can cost little to almost nothing, especially if you’re a teen.

Many adolescents are scared of STD clinics due to thinking that the tests are expensive, when

they are exactly the opposite. There are many locations you can visit for free or nearly free that

provide STD tests. These include most state health departments, local nonprofit health

organizations, Planned Parenthood locations, and various college/ university programs.

According to STDcheck.com, free STD testing is usually funded through non-profit

organizations or via programs provided by various institutions which incorporate colleges,

universities, and even churches. Every individual deserves equal and affordable access to the

entire range of sexual and reproductive health care services. However, ironically, the law does

not provide any financial assistance to cover the costs of prevention services. As STDs become

more of a normality within society this will only have a negative effect on the human race. Laws

should be established to prevent and even possibly stop the spread of sexually transmitted

diseases amongst teens and adolescents. Society is also unaware of the benefits STD clinics

contain, such as, affordability, access to a wider range of STD test options unavailable in some

private medical practices, providers who are up to date on current STD regimens, a greater

likelihood of rapid testing options, allowing you a single visit instead of two and doctors who are

skilled dealing with sexual issues.

The list of sexually transmitted diseases is long. Some sexual transmitted diseases are

harmless while others can be fatal. One of the most common sexually transmitted diseases

throughout the nation is the Human Papillomavirus, also known as HPV. This specific STD

affects the skin and moist membranes-tubular structures and cavities, including the nasal sinuses,

respiratory tract, and even the gastrointestinal tract. Human Papillomavirus can also cause
problems such as verrucous, genital warts, and even abnormal cell changes within the cervix.

Although Human Papillomavirus infections are not harmful, they are capable of producing

certain types of cancers. Currently, there is no cure for HPV, but there are treatments for

symptoms.

Although syphilis itself is common, it is still considered to be an overall “deadly” disease.

There are also various forms of syphilis. Tertiary syphilis is a form of syphilis that is rare and

evolves from untreated syphilis. Tertiary syphilis can also appear ten to thirty years after the

infection was originally attracted-- leading to fatalities. Tertiary syphilis can affect multiple vital

organ systems, including the brain. It can also affect the nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver,

bones, and joints of the human body. Congenital syphilis, another form of the sexually

transmitted disease syphilis, can cause severe disabling and often life-threatening infections. This

type of infection usually occurs within infants whose mothers have syphilis. Congenital syphilis

is transferred from a mother to her fetus. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC) states that up to forty percent of babies born to women with untreated syphilis may be

stillborn or die from the infection as a newborn. According to Fresno County’s Department of

Public Health, they accounted for sixty of the state’s congenital syphilis last year-- this includes

seven stillbirths. Newborns with congenital syphilis may also suffer from deformed bones,

severe anemia, blindness, deafness or other long-term symptoms. Fresno County participates in a

pilot program run by the CDC and the state public health department to address congenital

syphilis. Officials say the program has already increased outreach and screening but that the

number of diagnoses are still rising. Lack of access to health care, insurance, and education are

contributing factors to the rise in congenital syphilis. If the government would be able to provide

support with such programs, people would be able to be aware of sexually transmitted diseases
and wheat they would need to do in order to get treated or even cure. Just as Fresno County is

starting a movement, many other parts of the nation should be doing the same.

Another fatal form of a sexually transmitted disease is the human immunodeficiency

virus. There are two types of the human immunodeficiency virus: HIV-1 and HIV-2. With HIV-1

being the most common type of HIV to be spread worldly, HIV-2 is a less pathogenic type and is

mainly found within western Africa. The most studied strain of HIV is HIV-1 Group M, which is

the strain that has spread throughout the world and is responsible for the vast majority of HIV

infections today. There are three stages of type one HIV, infection: acute HIV infection, chronic

HIV infection, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, also known as AIDS. As the stages

evolve, the higher the fatality rate becomes. For example, An acute HIV infection is known to

society as being an early or even primary retroviral infection. This condition develops within two

to four weeks of contracting the human immunodeficiency virus while symptoms will appear

two to eight weeks after an infection with HIV. Due to being the initial stage of HIV, this

infection lasts until the body has created antibodies against the virus. If the acute HIV is not

treated as soon as possible this will lead to the chronic HIV stage which will then ultimately lead

to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, AIDS. About half of the people with the human

immunodeficiency virus can develop acquired immunodeficiency syndrome within ten years.

However, the period between infection with HIV and the emergence of AIDS can vary greatly.

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is the most chronic and potentially life-threatening form

of HIV. When the final stage of HIV occurs, AIDS, people are more likely to be susceptible to

infections and cancers due to their immune system being severely damaged.

The first AIDS epidemic has had a substantial impact on the health and economy of many

countries. The first reported case in the United States was in the year 1981 of June followed by
declines in new cases and even deaths in the late 1990s. Male-to-male sex had been the most

common mode submission among person reported with AIDS, forty-six percent, followed by

injection drug use, twenty-five percent, and heterosexual contact, eleven percent, according to

the centers for disease control (CDC). Which is why this epidemic greatly impacted men who

had sex with men (MSM) regardless of ethnicity and race. Regardless of the epidemic

diminishing, AIDS in the United States still remains, primarily affecting MSM and racial/ethnic

minorities. Males may not identify themselves as homosexual or bisexual because of the stigma

attached to these activities. Which is why it may be difficult to reach out to them with HIV

prevention messages. However, several public health successes have been documented during

the AIDS epidemic. The disease-monitoring systems was soon established after the first AIDS

reports in 1981. The data collected from these systems helped with a breakthrough of how AIDS

was transmitted and brought up positive solutions for preventions. For example, the Public

Health Service (PHS) made prevention recommendations with the licensure of a blood test to

screen the nation’s blood supply and donor and self deferral measures. According to the centers

for disease control and prevention, around thirty seven million people are living with HIV and

AIDS today. While there is no cure for HIV/AIDS, it is possible to treat if caught early. With the

trials of new drugs coming into play, Antiretroviral therapy (ART), the combination of 3 or more

ARV drugs, should start as soon as possible after diagnosis to slow the progression of HIV. It is

safe to say that thanks to technological advance we are able to soon even be able to cure HIV and

even AIDS.

With the rise of sexually transmitted diseases becoming a normality within our society,

we should take action by establishing more educational health programs along with health

classes within learning environments. Due to the stage of adolescence being sophisticated,
medical and even professional individuals need to be supporting such individuals with

precaution. Schools with trained professional, such as PCEs, will be able to guide maturing

adolescents with school-wide activities and classroom sessions, leading the students to

alternative strategies. With the trained peer counselors and educators who cover topics including

STD/HIV information, community health resources, communication and negotiation skills, and

safer sex strategies, we will surely notice a decline in STD transmission among our young

adolescents. While doing so, it is vitally important to advise teens about sexual intercourse, the

precautions they should keep in mind, and confirm that each partner gives consent. With the

various resources available for everyone, there is a positive solution for every scenario. It is

highly effective to implement health programs, like SEXINFO, into school districts so that they

would become aware of the countless, affordable resources for minors. With the current

technology slowly becoming more advanced than ever, we are sure to find a cure for all sexually

transmitted diseases. However, complete reliance on technology to eradicate such sexually

transmitted diseases so prevalent in today’s society will not suffice; we need to focus more on

prevention rather than cure. The amount of cures needed for sexually transmitted diseases will

only decrease when we heavily invest in prevention programs, education in schools, and raising

awareness.
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