Discussion on missed opportunities for open discussions about casual sexual relationships
In the United States, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to be a significant health concern among adolescents and young adults. According to the 2023 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) surveillance data, the most common STIs among this age group are Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and HIV [1][2][4].
Chlamydia, the most prevalent STI, accounted for more than 1.6 million new cases in 2023 [1][2]. Gonorrhea cases have nearly doubled over the past decade, reaching approximately 595,000 in 2023, while Syphilis cases increased sharply, sixfold over a decade, to over 205,000 cases in 2023 [1][2]. HIV diagnoses among adolescents and young adults remain a critical concern, with nearly 6,927 new diagnoses reported in 2021, particularly in young adults aged 20 to 24 years. This age group, along with Black and Hispanic youth, as well as youth living in the Southern US, bear the highest burden of new HIV diagnoses [4].
These statistics underscore the importance of comprehensive sex education for adolescents and young adults. Such education should include information on how to protect their health, future fertility, and emotional well-being [3].
Heterosexual contact accounted for 22% of new HIV infections in the United States in 2022, with 13- to 24-year-olds making up 20% of new HIV diagnoses [5]. It's crucial to note that if one tests positive for one STI, more testing is necessary because sexually transmitted infections are mostly spread through body fluids and some are shared through direct contact [6].
Other STIs, such as Human Papillomavirus (HPV), are also prevalent. HPV is the most common STI overall, causing 60% to 70% of oropharyngeal cancers in the United States. Persistent HPV infections can lead to genital warts and, years later, cancer [7].
Chlamydia, the most common bacterial STI in the world and in the United States, affects more than 1.5 million individuals per year. Most women (75%) and half of men experience no obvious symptoms [8]. Oral sex can lead to the transmission of herpes simplex virus type 1, which is easily transmitted by direct contact from one person's oral area to another person's genitals [9].
Using two condoms at once can increase the risk of breakage and failure. College life can disrupt the effectiveness of birth control pills, increasing the risk of unintended pregnancies and STIs. Adding condoms can decrease the risk of both [10].
Unfortunately, 13% of undergraduates report "nonconsensual sexual contact by physical force or inability to consent" [11]. It's essential for students to be aware of these risks and to prioritise their safety.
Students should check with their university health center for information on prevention, screening, and treatment of STIs. Young adults are increasingly more fluid in their sexuality, which includes having more bisexual experiences, whether or not they identify as gay or bisexual [12].
It's important to remember that while some STIs are more common in certain populations, sexually transmitted infections don't discriminate. Your risk of an STI comes from behavioral choices, not anyone's appearance, skin color, culture, religion, values, wealth, sexual orientation, or political persuasion [13].
For more information and tools to improve well-being, consider subscribing to CNN's weekly newsletter, "Life, But Better" [14]. Stay informed, stay safe, and prioritise your health.
References:
- 2023 CDC Surveillance Data
- 2023 CDC STD Surveillance Report
- Teens and Young Adults Deserve Comprehensive Sex Education
- CDC Data Show Disproportionate Impact on Adolescents and Young Adults
- HIV.gov
- CDC: If You Test Positive for One STI, You Need More Testing
- HPV and Cancer
- CDC: Chlamydia Fact Sheet
- CDC: Oral Sex and HPV
- CDC: Using Two Condoms at Once
- Association of American Universities
- Young Adults Are Increasingly More Fluid in Their Sexuality
- CDC: STIs Don't Discriminate
- CNN: Life, But Better
- Enhancing awareness about one's mental health and personal growth is crucial, as comprehensive education on health-and-wellness should also cover sexual health topics.
- In addition to promoting sexual health, education-and-self-development should emphasize the importance of regular STI screenings and testing for early detection, as multiple infections can stem from a single STI.
- Seeking help from a health and wellness professional or a university health center can provide important information on STI prevention, screening, and treatment options, thereby promoting overall health.
- It's essential to embrace body positivity while prioritizing self-care and making informed decisions about sex and sexual relationships, as sexual-health plays a critical role in one's life and well-being.
