Risk of sexually transmitted diseases in adolescents: The impact of hesitation and ignorance

 Risk of sexually transmitted diseases in adolescents: The impact of hesitation and ignorance

Adolescents aged 16 to 17 are at risk of sexually transmitted infections because they lack the necessary information and social support.

Safe sex practices, regular testing, and accurate information are essential to maintaining sexual health.

Sir, what happened to me? 16-year-old Aryan (name changed) sat silently in the clinic chair. As he explained his problem, showing the wound around his genitals, shame, fear, and self-blame were reflected on his face.

On the second day of the same week, another 17-year-old Anushka (name changed) came to the hospital with her sister. Showing the wound that looked like a bruise around her genitals, she said in fear, “Will it heal on its own or should I do something?”

A few days later, 17-year-old Shristi (name changed) came to the hospital alone. She lowered her eyes and said, “Doctor, I don’t know what happened, but I’m really scared. ’Although the stories of these three teenagers were different, they all had one thing in common: a sexually transmitted infection caused by social stigma, lack of information, and ignorance.

What was their problem?

Aryan was diagnosed with ‘genital herpes’. A type of sexually transmitted virus that can remain latent in the body for life and occasionally become active and cause sores.

Anushka had ‘primary syphilis’ – the first stage of the disease, in which small, painless sores appear on the genitals or other contact areas, which usually heal on their own in 3-6 weeks. This disease, which appears to be common in the early stages, can have serious consequences if not treated on time.

Shrishti was found to have both molluscum contagiosum and herpes. A viral infection transmitted through skin contact, which causes small blisters around the genitals.

These three cases highlight a serious reality: in our society, teenagers cannot talk openly about sexual behavior, nor do they receive the necessary information for safe relationships. These are just representative examples; many patients never see a doctor.

What is meant by sexual health?

Sexual health is not just about avoiding disease. It also includes developing healthy, safe, consensual, and respectful sexual relationships. Adolescents and young adults are in the early stages of sexuality, where decisions can be confusing without guidance.

Why are adolescents and young adults at higher risk of sexually transmitted diseases?

-Lack of sex education

-Tendency to not get tested due to social embarrassment

-Tendency to have unprotected sex, not use condoms

-Peer pressure or uncontrolled emotions

-Incomplete or misleading information from the Internet

What are sexually transmitted diseases?

Sexually transmitted diseases refer to diseases that are transmitted through sexual contact. These include herpes, genital warts, gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, genital warts, molluscum contagiosum, and hepatitis. Most can be spread without symptoms at first.

How to avoid sexually transmitted diseases?

-Abstaining from sexual intercourse is the only 100% safe way to avoid sexually transmitted diseases. If you are going to engage in sexual intercourse, you can avoid the risk of sexually transmitted diseases by paying special attention to some things.

-Practice safe sex - Use condoms regularly and correctly.

-Get regular health checkups - If you are sexually active, it is important to get tested for sexually transmitted infections at least once a year.

-Get vaccinated - HPV and Hepatitis B vaccinations are recommended.

-Consensual relationships - Sexual contact under force or pressure is always risky.

-Make decisions based on reliable information - Trust expert advice, not Google.

-Being aware is not shy. If you have any doubts or if you notice a health problem, you should go to a specialist doctor without delay.

Sexual Health and Mental Health

- Once adolescents enter into sexual relationships, if they lack information and understanding, they become victims not only of disease, but also of self-blame, fear and social exclusion. This could be read in the eyes of Aryan, Anushka and Shrishti - they were not just looking for a cure for the disease, they were also looking for self-acceptance and guidance.

Talking about sexual health is not a matter of 'shame', but of 'necessity'. Only by teaching adolescents protective behaviors, understanding them closely, and presenting sexuality and relationships in a healthy way socially can we break the cycle of such infections.

Sexuality is a natural part of life, it is our responsibility to advance it with education, understanding and consent.