Making smart choices about your body starts here. This article offers comprehensive advice on Preventing STIs and Unintended Pregnancies, empowering teens worldwide with essential knowledge and support.

Preventing STIs and unintended pregnancies guide: Stay safe & informed

Study Zone Institute 9 hours ago Lifestyle

Being a teenager comes with unique excitements and challenges. As you navigate friendships, school, and growing independence, it’s also a crucial time to think about your sexual health. Making informed choices about preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies is a big part of taking care of yourself and your future.

This article is your guide to understanding why prevention is so important and where you can find reliable, youth-friendly resources empowering you to make informed choices.

Why talk about STIs and unintended pregnancies?

It might feel awkward to talk about, but ignoring the topic won’t make the risks disappear. STIs and unintended pregnancies can have significant impacts on your life, including your health, education, and future plans.

The real deal on STIs

STIs, sometimes called STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases), are infections passed from one person to another through sexual contact. They are incredibly common, especially among young people, and many don’t show immediate symptoms, meaning you could have one without knowing it.

Unintended pregnancies occur when a pregnancy is unplanned or unwanted. Both STIs and unintended pregnancies can have significant impacts on your physical, emotional, and social well-being.

Common STIs you should know about

Chlamydia: One of the most common bacterial STIs. Often asymptomatic, it can lead to serious reproductive health issues if untreated.

Gonorrhea: Another common bacterial STI, especially in young people. Can also be asymptomatic but can cause serious complications if left untreated.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV): The most common viral STI. Some types of HPV cause genital warts, while others can lead to certain cancers, including cervical, anal, and throat cancers. There’s a vaccine available to protect against many of these types!

Herpes (HSV): A viral infection causing painful blisters or sores. It’s chronic, meaning it stays in your body, though outbreaks can be managed.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): The virus that causes AIDS. HIV attacks the immune system, making the body vulnerable to serious infections.

Syphilis: A bacterial infection that progresses through stages and can cause serious organ damage if untreated.

Trichomoniasis: A common STI caused by a tiny parasite. It can also be asymptomatic or cause symptoms like itching and irritation.

Why preventing unintended pregnancies matters

An unintended pregnancy can profoundly impact your life goals, education, and personal development. It can create significant financial, emotional, and social challenges for you and your family. Planning for a family is a big decision that should be made when you are ready, emotionally and financially.

Your power to prevent: Knowledge and action

The good news is that you have the power to protect yourself! Prevention isn’t about fear; it’s about making smart, responsible choices based on accurate information.

Preventing STIs:

Abstinence: The only 100% effective way to prevent STIs is to not have sex (vaginal, oral, or anal).

Condoms: If you choose to be sexually active, consistently and correctly using latex condoms is highly effective in preventing many STIs, including HIV. Make sure they are used every single time.

Get tested: Regular STI testing is crucial, especially if you are sexually active or have new partners. Knowing your status and your partner’s status is key.

Vaccination: Vaccines are available for some STIs, such as HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and Hepatitis B, which can protect you from certain types of cancer and liver disease. Talk to a healthcare provider about these options.

Monogamy: Being in a mutually faithful relationship with one partner who has also been tested and is uninfected reduces your risk.

Preventing unintended pregnancies:

1. Abstinence: Again, not having sex is the only 100% effective way to prevent pregnancy.

2. Contraception: There are many effective birth control methods available. These include:

Hormonal methods: Birth control pills, injections (Depo-Provera), implants (Nexplanon), and patches. These are very effective when used correctly.

Barrier methods: Condoms (which also prevent STIs!), diaphragms, and cervical caps.

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs): IUDs (intrauterine devices) and implants are highly effective and last for several years, removing the need for daily attention.

Emergency contraception: Available after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy, but it’s not a regular birth control method.

3. Consistent and correct use: Whichever method you choose, it’s essential to use it consistently and correctly every time.

Your power to prevent: Strategies for protection

The good news is that you have the power to prevent STIs and unintended pregnancies. It’s all about making informed choices and taking responsible actions.

1. Abstinence: The safest choice

The only 100% effective way to prevent STIs and unintended pregnancies is abstinence – choosing not to have vaginal, anal, or oral sex. This is a personal choice, and it’s okay if it’s the right choice for you.

2. Consistent and correct condom use: Your first line of defence

If you choose to be sexually active, condoms (male or female) are highly effective when used correctly and consistently. They act as a barrier, preventing the exchange of bodily fluids and skin-to-skin contact that can transmit STIs, and also preventing sperm from reaching an egg.

Always use a new condom every time you have sex.

Check the expiration date.

Use water-based or silicone-based lubricant to prevent breakage.

Put it on correctly from start to finish.

3. Contraception (birth control): Preventing pregnancy

For preventing unintended pregnancies, various effective contraceptive methods are available. It’s important to talk to a healthcare provider to find the method that’s right for you. Options include:

Hormonal methods:
Birth control pills: Taken daily.
The patch: Worn on the skin and changed weekly.
Vaginal ring: Inserted into the vagina and replaced monthly.
Injections (e.g., Depo-Provera): Given every few months.
Implants (e.g., Nexplanon): A small rod inserted under the skin of the arm, lasting for several years.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs): Small, T-shaped devices inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider. They can be hormonal or non-hormonal (copper) and last for several years.

Emergency contraception (EC): Can be used after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. It’s a backup method, not a regular birth control method.

Important: Most hormonal birth control methods and IUDs do NOT protect against STIs. That’s why combining them with condoms is crucial for dual protection if you are concerned about STIs.

4. Get tested regularly: Know your status

Even if you use condoms, it’s wise to get tested for STIs, especially if you have new partners or multiple partners. Many STIs have no symptoms, so testing is the only way to know your status and get treatment if needed. Regular testing helps protect both you and your partners.

5. Vaccination: Protection against HPV and Hepatitis B

Vaccines are available to protect against certain STIs:

HPV vaccine: Highly recommended for teens (often starting at age 9-12) to protect against the types of HPV that cause most cancers and genital warts.

Hepatitis B vaccine: Protects against the Hepatitis B virus, which can be sexually transmitted and cause liver damage.

6. Open communication: Talk to your partner(s)

Talking about sexual health can be uncomfortable, but it’s essential for your safety. Discuss:

STI status and testing history.

Sexual boundaries and consent.

Contraception and condom use.

Your expectations for the relationship.

Remember, consent is crucial for every sexual encounter. It must be enthusiastic, continuous, and freely given.

Resources for young people (international)

You’re not alone in navigating sexual health. There are many reliable organisations worldwide dedicated to providing accurate information, support, and services to young people.

UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund): A leading UN agency working on sexual and reproductive health and rights worldwide. Their website (unfpa.org) offers extensive resources and information.

WHO (World Health Organization): Provides global guidance and information on sexual health, including STIs and contraception. (who.int)

IPPF (International Planned Parenthood Federation): A global service provider and advocate of sexual and reproductive health and rights. They have member associations in over 150 countries offering clinics and information. (ippf.org)

Plan International: Works globally to advance children’s rights and equality for girls, including comprehensive sexuality education. (plan-international.org)

Rutgers International: A Dutch centre of expertise on sexuality, working to improve sexual and reproductive health and rights in many countries. (rutgers.international)

Advocates for Youth (US-based with global reach): Focuses on youth sexual health and rights, providing resources and advocating for policies that support young people’s well-being. (advocatesforyouth.org)

Scarleteen (US-based with international audience): An independent, comprehensive sexuality education website that provides inclusive and evidence-based information in a youth-friendly way. (scarleteen.com)

Go Ask Alice! (Columbia University, US-based with international audience): Provides reliable health and wellness information, including a large section on sexual health, from a team of health specialists. (goaskalice.columbia.edu)

Many countries also have national or local organisations, youth clinics, and helplines that offer confidential advice and services. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted adult, healthcare provider, or one of these organisations if you have questions or need support.

Conclusion

Preventing STIs and unintended pregnancies is about being informed, making responsible choices, and prioritising your health and future. By understanding the risks, knowing your prevention options, and utilising available resources, you empower yourself to navigate your sexual health confidently and safely. Your choices today impact your tomorrow, so choose to be knowledgeable, choose to be safe, and choose to protect your well-being.

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