Abnash Bassi

Unit 2 - STIs Reflective Response

STIs and sexual health are topics that many teens my age, myself included, feel slightly
uncomfortable talking about. We do not converse about such topics in our day to day lives, but after
researching sexual health, there is no doubt in my mind that the subject of STIs and having safe sex
is something that everyone should be aware about. Sexually transmitted diseases do not
discriminate based off of age, gender, etc., and can occur to anyone. We should keep this in mind
while learning about STIs and the importance having protected intercourse.
Condoms are rubber barriers/sheaths worn on a males reproductive organ during sexual
intercourse. They are important to having safe sex, and can be used as contraceptives or as
protection against infection. A contraceptive is something that prevents pregnancy. Using condoms
for this reason is quite common for couples who do not want to have any children as a result of
intercourse. For example, a sexually active woman age 13-19 who does not use contraception has
a 90% chance of getting pregnant within a year (Condomology 3). Condoms can also help quite a
bit with preventing sexually transmitted diseases; when it comes to HIV, a condom makes sex
10,000 times safer than
without a condom
(Planned Parenthood).
Something else that I
think is important for
people to know about
condoms is that even if
you are allergic to latex,
you can still use
condoms. There are
latex-free condoms made
of polyurethane and
polyisoprene (Planned Parenthood). A common myth that comes with condoms is that they hinder
sexual pleasure during intercourse. However, research shows that people who use condoms during
intercourse find sex just as pleasurable as those who do not. Condoms themselves are also quite
cheap: The cost of condoms is as low as $0.04 per unit (Planned Parenthood). Many organizations
that help the homeless and those out on the streets give out condoms to promote safe sex. I feel as
though these are important facts for people to know, because by understanding the colossal benefits
of using condoms, more individuals will recognize the need to use condoms during sexual
intercourse.

Most American teens use

condoms during their first time having
intercourse (68 percent of females
and 82 percent of males), which
means that many teens eventually
learn of the importance of condoms.
On the other hand, only 39 percent of
American high school students are
taught how to correctly use a condom
in their health classes (Planned
Parenthood). I feel as though this is
something that should be taught at schools, but I do also see how teachers may feel anxious about
teaching such a thing to high school students. Talks about sexual health and sexuality are things that
teachers, students, and parents may feel uncomfortable discussing in depth at school. For example,
reforms to school programs teaching students about safe sex and such have sparked much debate,
especially on the basis of religion. I feel as though, regardless of ones religious or moral beliefs
when it comes to sex, everyone should have the opportunity to be informed about sexual health at
some point in their lives. This education, for the vast majority of teens, could change their lives
greatly, preventing unplanned pregnancies and STIs significantly.

In order to make healthy choices regarding sexuality, I feel as though people must be aware
of the danger and risks involved with sexual intercourse, and the different ways to protect
themselves from these risks. I think something that is vital for people to know, is that having
intercourse should be your own decision and you should now be forced into having sex. No one else
has the right to make you partake in sexual activities. Before having intercourse, you should also talk
to your partner about their sexual history. This included whether or not they have any STIs, which
can be passed on through sex. Understanding how a condom works and recognizing their
importance can lead to making healthy decisions during intercourse. Also, talking with your partner
about birth control, which includes condoms, birth control pills, injection hormones, etc. is quite
imperative to making healthy decisions. Not discussing this and not making the right decisions can
lead to STIs and unplanned pregnancy, which can have huge impacts on your life. I think it is
important to be comfortable with your partner and aware about having safe sex. Something to
understand is that condoms and birth control, although very rare, can still fail. Therefore, it may be a
good idea to talk with your partner about what you would do in the case of pregnancy. Finally, I think
simply being proactive is crucial to making healthy decisions regarding sexuality. In my opinion, it is
best to mitigate any risks, and it is better to be safe than sorry.
Sexually Transmitted Illnesses, more commonly known as STIs, are illnesses that are
caused by an organism (bacteria, virus, or parasite) passed on through sex or intimate contact. To
know if you have an STI, there are symptoms that you may be able to recognize, but the best way to
know for sure is to get tested at the doctor. HIV, human immunodeficiency virus, leads to AIDS,
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. HIV destroys helper cells in the body, and as a result,
weaken the defence of the bodys immune system. HIV/AIDS can be deadly if not treated, and is
passed on through the exchange of bodily fluids (e.g. unprotected sex, sharing of needles, etc.).
It may seem rather daunting that STIs, such as HIV, can easily be passed on from partner to
partner. For example, in the U.S., thousands of teens and young adults get infected with HIV each
year. However, there are ways to avoid STIs.
Practicing safer sex is the best way to lower
your chances of getting an STI. This means
using protection, such as condoms, every
time you have any form of intercourse. It is
important to talk to your partner ahead of
time about having safe sex. There are also
some ways of having intercourse that are
less likely to spread STIs than others.
Something else that can help is staying with

one uninfected partner. Getting vaccinated for human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis A and hepatitis
B can provide protection prior to having intercourse. By getting tested for STIs, you can also prevent
it from being passed down to others. However, even with all of these methods, the only way to be
completely sure is to abstain from having sex. Abstinence is the most effective way of avoiding STIs.
In conclusion, I have learnt quite a lot about the importance of making healthy decisions,
condoms, and on the prevention of STIs. As someone who initially would not feel very comfortable
talking about a topic like this, I feel as though through learning more, I am more aware about sexual
health. No matter how sexually active someone is, I think that is crucial to understand how to
practice safe sex. After all, knowledge is power.
Resources Used
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/about-us/newsroom/press-releases/ten-little-knownfacts-about-condoms-planned-parenthood
http://www.factsaboutcondoms.com/pdf/Trojan_Condomology_v020813.pdf
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseasesstds/manage/ptc-20180616
http://youngwomenshealth.org/2013/05/23/making-healthy-sexual-decisions/
http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/std-hiv.html#