By: Kayla Lowe
Half of all new STI infections occur in young people, aged 15-25 (CDC, 2020). This accounts for about 10 million young people will contract an STI each year. There are a lot of reasons that STIs are common among young people. Young people may have more sexual partners, may be less likely to use condoms or get recommended STI testing. In addition, many young people may be hesitant to talk openly with their doctor or partner about sex. Unfortunately, in many communities in the US, STIs are labeled as “dirty.” However, this label and stigma stems from a lack of knowledge about sexual and reproductive health. Sex education should not spread shame and stigma. Sex education should provide the comprehensive, non-judgmental, and medically accurate information that young people need and deserve.
In many parts of the country, sex education in schools is lacking. Many schools do not have any kind of sex education. Many others follow an “abstinence only” curriculum, also called “abstinence plus” or “sexual risk avoidance” curriculums. In general, these curriculums teach that abstience from sex is the only acceptable option for young people and the only way to prevent pregnancy and STIs. While abstinence is the only 100% effective method to prevent pregnancy and STI’s, it is important that sex education programs also give young people comprehensive information on contraception and condoms if they choose to be sexually active
Sex education should teach young people that there are ways to protect yourself from STI’s if you choose to be sexually active. You can reduce your risk of contracting an STI by using condoms, communicating with your partner, and getting tested regularly. It is recommended to get tested every 3-6 months. Vaccines are also available to prevent HPV and Hepatitis B. Because symptoms of STIs aren’t always present, knowing your status is critical to staying healthy and preventing transmission to your partner. You can get tested for STIs by contacting your healthcare provider or a local health department.
Let’s talk about sex education in Kentucky. House Bill 296, introduced in January 2020 and sponsored by Louisville Democrat Lisa Willner, would require school districts to offer age appropriate, inclusive and medically accurate sex education classes beginning in the 2021-22 school year. Currently, Kentucky schools are not required to have a specific curriculum for sex eduation. According to data from the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the US (SIECUS), there are no state laws stating clearly that sex ed must be taught in Kentucky public schools. However, all Kentucky schools follow standards that include education on “how decision-making relates to responsible sexual behavior (abstinence, preventing pregnancy, preventing HIV/ and impacts the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of an individual).”
Kentucky requires schools to teach HIV/AIDS education. However, teaching about contraceptives, such as condoms or birth control pills is not required. Therefore, limiting curriculum, accessibility and materials. All students deserve to have a full range of inclusive sexual and reproductive health classes.
It is important for students to be aware of where they can access these services. All local health departments offer STI testing, Family Planning services and the birth control pill. Another great option for students is All Access EKY. This is an excellent resource that ensures young people throughout Eastern Kentucky have a full range of contraceptive methods. All Access EKY can help you explore the birth control methods, find a health clinic near you, and link you to resources that provide free birth control, like BCBenefits. See if you qualify for free birth control: https://www.allaccesseky.org/freebirthcontrol.
As a current health educator, I hope to teach my students that reproductive and sexual health is a part of natural life and it should not be dreaded or shameful. I hope to spread awareness to the reality and commonality of STIs to break down the barrier and stigma. I hope to teach my students to look at STIs from a different perspective.. Instead of asking your partner, “Are you clean?”, try saying, “Have you been tested for STIs?” In middle and high school, students often assume that only those with multiple partners can get an STI. This is false. Anyone can get an STI. Getting an STI is not the end! Most STI’s are curable and all are treatable. It’s time to make a change and work toward comprehensive, inclusive, and non-judgemental sex education in all schools.
References
Kate Bradford, T. (n.d.). Retrieved August 07, 2020, from https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-policies-on-sex-education-in-schools.aspx
Sexually Transmitted Diseases - Information from CDC. (2020, May 28). Retrieved August 07, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/std/default.htm
Sex in the States. (n.d.). Retrieved August 07, 2020, from https://sexetc.org/states/kentucky