sexual responsibility
Sexual responsibility is making smart choices regarding your sexual health and whether or not you are ready to become sexually active. If you do make the choice to be sexually active you need to be prepared for what comes along with the experience. You need to be physically, emotionally, and mentally ready to make the choice to be sexually active. You need to remember to always practice safe sex and always use a condom each and every time. You should remain monogamous (1 partner), and you should have a long talk with your partner about sexual responsibility and condom use to be sure that you are both ready to take the step to becoming sexually active.
In addition to making, you need to be informed on the many types of Sexual Transmitted Infections (STIs) that you can obtain if you practice unsafe sex as well as running the risk of unplanned pregnancy. Be sure you know your partner and that you think with your brain and not your heart. Your heart may be telling you one thing, and your brain may be telling you another. Remember if you have doubt it is always best to wait and talk about your concerns with your partner. Communicatin is very important and it helps build trust in the relationship.
Common Sexually transmitted infections
- Chlamydia
- Genital Warts (caused by HPV)
- Gonorrhea
- Hepatitis B
- Herpes
- HIV/AIDS
- Syphilis
- Vaginitis
- Public Lice (crabs)
- Scabies
how to protect yourself from acquiring a STi
- Abstinence (the most effective way)
- Use a latex condom each time
- Engage in sexual activites with ONE uninfected partner
- Look closely at your partner for sign's of STIs
- Get checked for STIs
- Know the signs and symptoms of STIs
STi statistics
- AIDS is the leading cause of death in many parts of the world. Worldwide, AIDS is the leading cause of death for people age 15-59
- Approximately 65 million peoplea around the world are infected with HIV
- Chlamydia is the most prevalent bacterial STI in the U.S.
- There is an estimated 700,000 new cases of Gonorrhea every year in the U.S.
- More than 80% of sexually active individuals will have been infected with HPV by the age of 50
- Approximately 45 million individuals have been diagnosed with Genital Herpes
* Statistics from Core Concepts of Health, 10th edition, brief *
protect yourself!
Education, Prevention, Diagnosis & Treatment. Be sure to make responsible, careful decisions about being sexually active. Ask yourself if you are ready, and if you have doubt... WAIT!
For more information on STI testing on campus, contact Health Services at 392-6300 or visit www.southernct.edu/healthservices.
