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Essay On Stds

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Here we see the Healthy People 2020 (2017) STD goal, they recognize that there are over 35 “infectious organisms” which are transmitted via sexual activity, they also reference the CDCs assertion that there are around 20 million new STD cases a year, and argue that STDs are costing the U.S. healthcare system around $16 billion a year. They do not specify how much of that cost can be associated to the 13-24 year old population, however, we can look at other noted statistics showing that this group accounts for nearly half of the 20 million cases to understand just how much money goes to this population. Slide 8 We can see here in the web of causation that there are several varying factors attributing to the significant rise in STD rates …show more content…

Currently, the Centers for Medicare & Medicate Services have what is called the “National Coverage Determination” act, which promises that Medicare Part B will cover screenings, but this is only one insurance option. Many teens/adolescents are not aware of their insurance coverage or are afraid to use their insurance, as many of them are still under their parent’s coverage (Forsyth & Rogstad, 2015). Slide 10 4-When looking at STD testing, the current recommendations suggest that annual testing be done for those who are under 25 and sexually active. In spite of this many young people are not getting tested and with the lack of symptoms and/or diagnosis they continue to have sex without knowing they are infected with an STD. In the same 2013 survey as listed here, 42% of those surveyed, who had never been tested for an STD stated that it was because they didn’t believe they were at risk to get one, others stated concerns about confidentiality, access and affordability of healthcare, or lack of insurance (Prevalence of STD Testing, 2016). A study conducted in 2015 found that only 56% of the sexually active teens surveyed used a condom the last time they had sex (Kann et al., 2016). At least it’s more than half right? 5-The developing teenage/adolescent brain leads to more risky behaviors and an “I am untouchable or bulletproof” state of

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