There is a lot of confusion and misinformation out there about STDs. As a healthcare professional, you are in an excellent position to make a positive impact on the lives of young people and their families.

What exactly is the problem and how can you incorporate abstinence into your healthcare practice?

The Problem

• Over 60 million Americans are currently infected with an STD and there will be more than 18.9 million new cases this year alone.
• 25% of all STD infections occur in young people between the ages 15-19 and 66% in those under 25 years.

The Reason

Why is the epidemic spiraling out of control despite well meaning efforts?

• Sexual debut is occuring at younger ages which increases the number of partners one will have in his or her lifetime.
• A delay in the age of first marriage.
• Increasing divorce rates.
• Contrary to popular belief, condoms do not protect or prevent transmission of any STD - even if used correctly every time. Condoms merely REDUCE the risk of STDs.

The Impact

• STD rates are climbing among young people due to the high susceptibility of their immature anatomy.
• STD rates are also disproportionately affecting women because of the vulnerability of their open reproductive systems.

The Lie

• Condoms do NOT make sex safer - they only REDUCE one's chance of becoming infected.
• Effective antibiotic treatments for bacterial STDs are increasingly becoming resistant to medications.
• Antiviral medications still offer no cure and are rarely consistently effective
• Vaccines and viral medications that prevent STDs appear to be years away and may never occur.

The Solution

• The only way to prevent STDs is abstaining from sexual activity until marriage and faithfulness within marriage.