Teens need to get facts on STDs

The fact that 25 percent of girls 14 to 19 years old have at least one STD describes a huge problem in our society.

As a nurse, I am aware of the trauma that STDs can inflict.

Herpes causes painful re-occurring sores in the genital area. Syphilis causes ulcerating lesions, gonorrhea causes inflammation and pain. Chlamydia may have no symptoms but later cause infertility.

We also need to think about the strain on our health care system. The secondary problems, cancer and infertility are costly. Preventive care helps bring down the cost of health care. Preventing sexually transmitted diseases is important on many levels.

Planned Parenthood promotes the use of a condom. Its Web site states condoms reduce the risk of STDs. The message is that condom use is safer sex. What do they mean by safer sex?

In an article on safe sex, Dr. Gary Rose was interviewed. Dr. Rose is president of the Medical Institute for Sexual Health. Reference is made to the fact that condoms reduce the risk of HIV infection by 85 percent. Then he is quoted as saying, "But the problem is that condoms only lower your risk for other sexually transmitted diseases -- like gonorrhea, syphilis and Chlamydia -- by 50 percent."

The National Institute of Health Web site affirmed abstinence as the absolute answer to preventing STD's. The site also claimed, "next to abstinence, the least risky approach is to have a monogamous relationship with someone that you know is free of any STD."

Our teens need to know the facts and statistics. Obviously safer sex is not risk free.

Carol Van Der Woude

Hoffman Estates