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I just read that the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases in the USA has skyrocketed in recent years. The article went on to blame this increase on a "failed health care system". Frankly, I was disappointed with the author's putting the blame solely there, as I believe this growing epidemic has multiple causes: ignorance (where are the sex education programs in our high schools?), depression (depressed people are more likely to take chances), irresponsible communications from the CDC and other organizations that help create the impression that STDs, even HIV, are manageable diseases. Then you have the religious influences, that are most dramatically evident in the fundamentalist Christian push back against the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine because they feel touting abstinence is going to work in protecting their young people. Yeah, right. They also oppose inoculating boys with the HPV vaccine because they fear it would encourage "gay behavior". One last pointing of the finger of blame: older Americans who, for some odd reason, apparently think that because they're old and heterosexual, they need not worry about disease when they hook up. Wrong! STDs are flourishing in our senior enclaves! Okay, I actually just thought of two more things: male reluctance to consistently use condoms or to use them properly. Somehow, some men think them unmanly or complain condoms lessen sensation too much. And the last thing (I promise) is rooted in dishonesty. People clandestinely cheat on their spouses and significant others and bring home unsavory infestations and infections. See, I told you it was more complicated than a "failing health system".

#sex #USA #depression #religious #Christian #reason #fear #gay #PlannedParenthood #sexeducation
RobLawrence 7 Aug 29
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0

Level 8

I believe online dating and social media does factor into this. The incidence of sex on the first date is increased when people 'meet' and text frequently for a long period of time online first. Internet communication can lead to a false sense of intimacy, connection and feelings of trust. People should always remain skeptical until they meet someone face to face, and make sure that the trust is earned.

1

Level 8

Celibacy here I come. Or, I mean, stay.

@RobLawrence The issue is that serial monogamy works out to be much more serial and not long monogamous

0

Level 7

How about that flesh eating STD in The UK? [forbes.com]
Scary.

0

Level 10

I think you covered all the bases here, and like a lot of problems in our society it has multiple causes. Lack of information is criminal when it comes to the education of children. It is our duty to give our children all the tools necessary to keep themselves safe from sexually transmitted disease and it is a great disservice to them to adopt a head in the sand attitude and pretend it won’t happen if they are kept in ignorance. As for older people, I suppose they think if they aren’t sleeping with prostitutes it is safe enough. Unless you are in a monogamous long term relationship and are not cheating on your partner, protection should always been used, that is only a sensible precaution. You are specifically talking here about US statistics so I cannot comment on whether the same is the case in my own country UK, I certainly haven’t heard any talk about it. I don't know enough about your healthcare system to say any more than it is their duty to promote safe sex.

@RobLawrence Yes of course that is a bone of contention isn’t it?

@RobLawrence true!!!!perhaps it's the lack thereof!
1

Level 6

Education, or lack of, is the source of almost every problem facing humanity.

It would seem that way, and that's not completely false. However, human breeding and raging hormones is The Rock that that ship wrecks on every time.
2

Level 8

You might add: Everyone in movies and TV having random sexual encounters, few show or even insinuate any form of protection. And very little actual media depiction of the results and problems associated with having an STD.

0

Level 7

"Americans who, for some odd reason, apparently think that because they're old and heterosexual, they need not worry about disease when they hook up"....

Thanks for the reminder! Adds condoms to shopping list. I can't get pregnant but can still get sick!

@RobLawrence according to the CDC, women over 62 are the fastest-growing "new HIV -positive" demographic in the country, for a Decade now.....victims of ignorance, fewer men, busy little pollinators who will not wear condoms, or get tested!
0

Level 9

I think you've got it right.

1

Level 9

Aren't each of these a part of the health system ? I think another failure is , parents not being able to communicate with their kids .

I think it's parents inability to prepare their kids.
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