By Melissa Keyes DiGioia
By the end of this lesson, participants will be able to:
1. List at least two ways people can prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections.
2. Describe reasons why particular prevention techniques would be used in particular situations.
3. Write down two suggestions for how youth can use a prevention technique for reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections.
Though many teens may believe that they are not at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), adolescents and young adults under the age of 25 have the highest rates of curable STIs. Almost half of the nearly nineteen million newly diagnosed cases can be attributed to youth aged 15-24.
A variety of techniques exist for youth to prevent the spread of STIs, including abstinence from sexual behaviors, condom use, STI screening and treatment, limiting sexual partners, and being vaccinated. However, young people may not choose to use a prevention technique for a variety of reasons, including lack of knowledge about STIs, lack of financial resources, limited access to prevention techniques, embarrassment or fear of getting tested, substance abuse, discomfort communicating about or using safer sex products, and more.
This lesson will allow participants to identify ways youth can reduce their risk for STIs. They will consider and discuss reasons for choosing particular prevention techniques in specific situations, and develop suggestions for reducing the spread of STIs.