Other Risks Associated with Teen Sexuality

Sexually transmitted diseases - referred to as STDs or STIs (sexually transmitted infections) - are a very real possibility for everyone who is sexually active and not using condoms. Some teens think only about the possibilities of getting pregnant and not about diseases and infections that are spread through sexual activity.

The only sure way to avoid STDs is abstinence. If you are sexually active, always use a condom, be monogamous, and ask your partner if they’ve been tested.

All teens need to be aware of STDs. After all, in many cases there are no symptoms that go along with STDs and, if you become pregnant STDs can have dramatic consequences for you and for your baby.

In most cases, when there are symptoms of STDs, they are the following:

  • Bumps, sores and warts that appear near the mouth, penis, vagina or anus
  • Swelling and redness
  • Rashes on the skin
  • Painful urination
  • Fevers or chills, aches and pains
  • Jaundice (a yellowing of the skin that indicates liver damage)
  • Weight loss
  • Discharge - in some cases, discharge with a foul odor
  • Bleeding when you are not on your period
  • Pain when you’re having sex
  • Itchiness of the penis or vagina that doesn’t go away

If you think that you have the symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease, you should see your doctor - for both diagnosis and treatment - whether or not you are pregnant. However, this becomes even more important when you are pregnant. The possible complications of STDs during pregnancy is the reason why you will be screened for these diseases or infections when you see a doctor about your pregnancy for the first time.

Common STDs and the Effects on Pregnancy

HIV/AIDS

The bad news is that there is no cure for HIV/AIDS; however, treatments are available. Transmission of HIV/AIDS from mother to infant can be prevented, however, for those who have HIV and are not being treated, it is possible to pass the infection to their babies. Medications that are used to manage HIV can help to prevent passing the disease onto your baby.

Herpes

Herpes lesions (including cold sores) are highly contagious - and the disease can be spread even when you don’t have active signs of a breakout. While having herpes is not likely to harm the baby while you’re pregnant, it is possible to spread the disease during childbirth (because of this, many babies that are born to women with herpes are delivered with a C-section).

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is one of the most commonly diagnosed STDs - and testing is done using just a swab of vaginal fluid. Gonorrhea is something that you can contract while you are pregnant and, if you do, you’ll probably experience abdominal pain, burning when you urinate and discharge. Not being treated will make it more likely that a pregnant woman will miscarry. Babies born to mothers who have, but aren’t being treated for, gonorrhea can become blind, have infections in their joints and develop blood infections as well. If you do have gonorrhea, when the baby is born he or she will be given an antibiotic injection to prevent infection.

HPV/Genital Warts

People have been hearing a lot about HPV since the vaccine for it was developed and released. HPV can lead to the development of cervical cancer. However, genital warts can have a more immediate effect when you’re pregnant. Because hormone production changes during pregnancy, genital warts caused by HPV become larger and can block the birth canal.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is another common STD; during pregnancy it can lead to premature births or miscarriage. Treatment is a basic antibiotic, and not treating Chlamydia can cause pneumonia and eye infections when the baby is born.

Syphilis

Though syphilis is uncommon, it is an infection that is often transmitted to unborn babies and usually proves fatal. In addition to premature birth, babies that are infected with syphilis have problems in many different organs - from skin and bones, to eyes and ears to heart and brain. Fortunately, there are treatments that can help to stop spreading the disease from mother to child.

Trichomoniasis

This infection tends to cause a greenish-yellow vaginal discharge, and painful sex and urination. If you’re pregnant, it can lead to premature birth. Fortunately, it’s treatable and can be cured with medication during pregnancy.

Hepatitis B

This liver infection is caused by a virus and can be transmitted through the placenta during pregnancy. If you’re concerned about developing Hepatitis, there is a vaccine that’s readily available.