By LORI PERKINS
Guest Writer
April is sexually transmitted disease (STD) awareness month. Students should be aware that the Department of Health ranked Tennessee the 11th state to have the most widespread cases of Chlamydia, 12th for gonorrhea, sixth for syphilis and the 17th for HIV infections and AIDS.

Chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are the most frequently diagnosed STDs, and reports show that one in five Americans have HIV and do not know it.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) STDs are a major public health challenge in the United States. The CDC estimates there are approximately 19 million new STD infections each year, almost half of them among young people 15-24 years of age.

The cost of STDs to the U.S. health care system is estimated to be as much as $15.9 billion annually.

In 2008, there were more than 1.5 million total cases of Chlamydia and gonorrhea reported, making them the two most commonly reported infectious diseases in the United States.

STDs in sexually active teenagers continue to grow. According to the CDC, in 2008, girls 15 to 19 had the highest numbers of reported Chlamydia cases (342,875).

In an effort to promote screenings, explain the symptoms of STDs and help decrease the number of cases, media network MTV, CDC, Kaiser Family Foundation, Planned Parenthood and others are using a nationwide slogan GYT (Get Yourself Tested) to help young people become aware of the threatening issue.

They are advocating the importance of knowing and talking to your partner and getting tested.

“I think everyone should get tested. Don’t assume you’re OK,” said Perry Scanlan, allied health sciences associate professor and Medical Technology program director.

The concern is not just for those who are getting tested, but those who don’t. Some infections are “silent” and a carrier may not be aware that they are infected.

Untreated STDs will continue to spread from person-to-person and can lead to several health problems.

For women, the result can be infertility or pelvic inflammatory disease, and other health problems; men can become sterile.

“Many have no [noticeable] infection, they remain undiagnosed; it’s important to take steps for prevention,” said Nikki Kay, spokeswoman for the CDC.

Unprotected sex is one well known method of spreading infections.

Another factor is some people do not take all of their prescribed medication, which causes the infection to persist. The whole prescribed amount should be taken.

“Don’t take half the bottle and save them for later,” Scanlan said.

College students who binge drink also increase their chances of getting an STD.

“If you can’t recognize [the person], will you recognize the sign of an STD? Probably not,” Scanlan said.

Boyd Health Services takes steps to keep students informed that safe sex is still necessary. In February, they handed out condoms in the UC.

“We offer condoms in the lobby (at Boyd Health Services) all the time, and free brochures. We do presentations to APSU 1000 students. We have information … we would be happy to speak directly to students,” said Cyndi Chester, graduate assistant.

The CDC recommends people practice abstinence or reduce the number of sexual partners.

Sexually active women and teenaged girls under the age of 26 should receive a Chlamydia screening regularly.

“There are significant health threats,” Kay said.

“Don’t ignore symptoms. Get tested, know your partner, be honest and get treated. People should be involved with people who are concerned about their health. Use condoms correctly from start to finish,” Scanlan said.

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