Teens Still Lacking STI Knowledge

So, as it turns out, teens know about STIs. Great news, right? Wrong. A recent article details their knowledge of only basic facts: STIs are a threat, and they can have a grave impact on an individual’s health and future. Yet, American teenagers are using all of the wrong tactics to prevent STIs. There seems to be a disconnect between knowledge and implementation, or, perhaps, the knowledge is not being dispersed.

Teens need to know that abstinence is the only foolproof way to prevent STIs; male and female condoms come in at second place and are the only defense against STIs if someone is sexually active. Instead, teens are using visual assessments and spotty testing to protect against STIs. A clean “bill of health” does not give someone the go ahead to have unprotected intercourse. Also, it is impossible to tell by looking at a sex partner if he or she has an STI. Sexuality education programs must include this information, and, in addition to the facts about STIs, teens should learn effective prevention techniques.

If you missed the link above, check out the article here: http://www.futurity.org/health-medicine/teens-dont-identify-with-std-messages/.

Happy Monday

Good morning! Here is an article bringing you the latest in sexual health news to make you think.  Topics include a debate about condoms at the prom, and loud music. Do any of these stories surprise you?

Oklahoma Needs Accurate, Age-Appropriate Sex Ed

Oklahomans have a lot of pride, and who could blame them? This state is diverse, beautiful, and full of amazing people. Yet, it is also incredibly unhealthy, and teen childbearing is no exception. We are ranked number five (on the bad end) in teen births to 15-19 year olds and number two in teen births to 18-19 year olds. In fact, twice as many teen girls were giving birth in 2008 as were entering the freshmen classes at OU and OSU combined! (Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy)


Teen pregnancy and birth is no laughing matter. Not only does early motherhood cause socioeconomic, emotional and physical strains for the teens, but premature childbearing is financially detrimental to our state. In 2008, teen childbearing cost Oklahoma taxpayers 190 million dollars! (National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy)

So what can we do? Unbeknownst to many, Oklahoma has an incredibly active coalition of teen pregnancy prevention specialists, and Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma, strives to provide high quality reproductive healthcare services and educational programming to the youth in our state. We offer classes to schools, community groups, churches, and more. However, we need more state and local support. It is important to lobby for comprehensive, age-appropriate sexuality education in our public schools. PPCO is here for Oklahoma youth, and we will continue to provide top quality sexuality education because, simply put, our teens deserve better.

Check out this published "Letter to the Editor" on NewsOK!