Sexually Transmitted Diseases are on the rise in Douglas County

By Peter Sobezyk

Corn is not the only thing growing in the midlands these days.  Recent data shows that STD/STI (sexually transmitted disease and infection) rates are on the rise and spreading like weeds.  While Nebraska falls below the national averages, Douglas County is posting STD rates much higher than national averages.  For example, in 2005 the national rates for Chlamydia were 332 infections for every 100,000 people.  In Douglas County the rate was about 578 infections per 100,000 people.  That’s nearly 75% higher than the national average.  The most alarming thing about the spread of STD’s is the age groups that are most affected.  In 2005, 15 to 19 year olds made up almost 35% of new Chlamydia infections.  Teens age 15 to 19 made up 28% of new Gonorrhea cases in 2005.  This should paint a startling picture but the problem doesn’t stop there. Less than half of adults ages 18 to 44 have ever been tested for an STD/STI other than HIV/AIDS. On that note, what about the deadliest epidemic on the planet today: HIV/AIDS?  Nebraska’s HIV/AIDS infection rates bottomed out in 2003 when Nebraska Health and Human Services reported only 37 new cases of HIV infections and 57 new diagnoses of full-blown AIDS.  However, the numbers are on the rise again as this killer spreads from its stereotypical hunting grounds.  In 2005, the number of new HIV infections rose to 50 in Nebraska.  Again, Douglas County and neighbors make up the largest portion of this number with 37 new cases, that’s just about 75% of total cases located in four counties.

The key to beating these diseases is prevention.  It is important when people are educated about STD’s including HIV/AIDS that they are given all of the facts.  Abstinence is the only 100% effective method of preventing the spread of STD’s.  However, a study led by Princeton University psychologist John B. Jemmott III concluded that safe-sex lessons that center on condom use rather than abstinence are more effective at preventing children from engaging in sexual activity.  I am not here to make an argument for one or the other.  Encourage abstinence sure, but be realistic and make sure that if that first line of defense fails children know how to protect themselves.  Sex has become a dangerous activity in this imperfect world.  People do not always practice perfect abstinence or fidelity. The choice will ultimately fall into the laps of the sexually active adolescents, teenagers, and adults; the best way to arm them is to teach them proper condom use regardless of what choice they make. 

Another major problem and a possible reason for the increase in new infections could be oral sex.  More than 50% of American teenagers ages 15 to 19 have engaged in oral sex, with females and males reporting similar levels of experience, according to a comprehensive national survey of sexual behaviors released by the National Center for Health Statistics in 2005.  The report released showed that the numbers increased with age to about 70% of all 18 and 19-year-olds.  This would suggest that while teenagers may want to stay virgins, they are still curious enough to try oral sex, and view it as far less risky and not a type of intercourse.  This, of course, is just another myth.  Oral sex has been associated in clinical studies with several infections, including gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes and the human papillomavirus, which has been linked to cervical cancer. Oral sex also runs the risk of transmitting HIV. 

Condoms and other forms of contraceptives can be used to decrease the health risks of oral sex and other forms of intercourse, but few teens use them.  Even fewer use them correctly. One example of an improper use of a condom is the idea of “double bagging” it.  This is a myth that suggests both partners will be safer if two condoms are used as opposed to one.  However, this actually leads to an increased rate in condom failure as it increases friction and subsequent breakdown of the latex.  Another important condom fact that few people realize… condoms expire.  They have a shelf life and must be stored properly in order to be effective.  The glove box in your car is not a good place to store condoms, and storing one in your wallet for two years doesn’t mean that you are being safe, there is a good chance the condom has already started to break down.

Here’s the bottom line: If you choose to be sexually active, you must use condoms to protect yourself and your partner. Condoms are like seat belts and bicycle helmets, they are not 100% effective but they can save your life.  Most people will agree condoms are 90% effective when used consistently and correctly. Most problems with condoms are the result of inconsistent and incorrect use.  If our society is going to effectively combat STD’s including HIV/AIDS we must take it upon ourselves to educate the masses.  Here are some great sources for information: www.nap.org, www.unaids.org, www.cdc.gov, and of course talk to your doctor about your risks and available prevention methods.  You can also call the Nebraska AIDS Project hot line at 1.800.782.2437 for more information.