Finding out if you have an STD is critical in stopping the spread of infection and keeping yourself well.
What are STDs? Sexually Transmitted Diseases, or Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), are infections that are spread from one person to another through sexual contact.
STDs continue to rise at an alarming pace in South Dakota! From 2020 to 2021, the following STD rates were noted for South Dakota:
- Chlamydia cases increased over 21%
- Gonorrhea cases increased over 35%
- Syphilis cases increased over 679%
- Congenital syphilis cases (newborns born with syphilis) increased 300%
https://doh.sd.gov/statistics/2021Vital/10_SDInfectiousDisease.pdf
While surveillance data is not available yet for 2022, the South Dakota Department of Health has a Monthly Infections Disease Dashboard that can be viewed here.
Are you at risk for getting an STD? Are you prepared? Take this short quiz to find out and get resources to help you.
STD Facts about STDs
- 20 Million new STD infections in the United States each year.
- STDs are PREVENTABLE!
- Groups who experience higher STD rates include adolescents, young adults, gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, and some racial and ethnic minorities.
- Individuals who have STDs have an increased risk of getting HIV in the future. Find out more here.
Ways to prevent the spread of STDs:
- Practice abstinence.
- Receive vaccines for Hepatitis B and HPV. More information can be found here:
- Reduce the number of sexual partners.605
- Use condoms.
Talking to Your Teen
Finding out how to keep your teen safe from STDs is important. You can have a positive impact on their decision-making! Talking to your teen about STDs can feel overwhelming. Some ways to be prepared include:
Educate yourself about STDs, risky behaviors, and prevention methods.
- Think about what you’d like to say to your teen before you have the conversation.
- Be honest.
- Use examples.
- Use correct terms for body parts, sexual activities, diseases, and other related topics.|
- Be open to questions.
- Try not to overwhelm your teen.
More information about talking to your teen about sex, STDs, and healthy decisions can be found here:
https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/health-conditions/hiv-and-other-stds/talk-your-teen-about-preventing-stds
https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/sexual-health/talk-your-kids-about-sex-and-healthy-relationships
https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/sexual-health/talk-your-kids-about-sex-and-healthy-relationships#panel-4
Resources & References:
https://www.cdc.gov/STD/HealthComm/fact_sheets.htm
https://doh.sd.gov/statistics/surveillance/default.aspx#Dashboard
https://doh.sd.gov/diseases/infectious/std/
https://www.cdc.gov/std/healthcomm/fact_sheets.htm
https://doh.sd.gov/statistics/surveillance/default.aspx#Dashboard
https://www.cdc.gov/std/saw/pbyt/quiz.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/std/life-stages-populations/adolescents-youngadults.htm