STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) are a risk for all sexually active people. ETR’s STD/STI (sexually transmitted infection) materials deliver the basic facts people need to know about prevention, testing and treatment. ETR’s STD/STI education materials are regularly reviewed and updated for accuracy, usability, and cultural sensitivity.
Since our founding in 1981, ETR has served educators with comprehensive information for clients and patients, as well as facilitation and training guides for educators. ETR’s STD education materials are used by public health programs, schools, colleges, private medical providers, community-based organizations and the military. Our well-designed materials are regularly reviewed and updated for accuracy, usability and cultural sensitivity.
ETR offers the largest selection of sexual and reproductive health interventions and programs. Our evidence-based curricula are some of the most rigorously tested in the country and feature well-designed STD lesson plans with student worksheets, STD awareness activities, roleplays and teaching games for students to develop the awareness and skills they need to protect themselves.
Almost 2.3 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis were diagnosed in the U.S. in 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This marks the fourth consecutive year of increases in these three sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
The CDC has urged health care providers to renew their commitment to make STD screening and treatment a standard part of medical care. Education is another vital component required to reverse the current trends. ETR’s STD education materials are widely used and recognized to be highly accurate, accessible and easy to understand for a wide variety of students and clients.
There are a few basic facts everyone should know about STDs:
Many young people have questions or concerns about their bodies, relationships, sex and feelings. It’s healthy and normal to have questions. When teens can access reliable sources of clear, factual information, they can get the guidance and support they need to make good decisions. Parents can be a great resource. When teens feel close to and supported by their parents, they make better choices about avoiding STD.
Strange but true: many people find it easier to have sex than to talk about it. Discussing sex with a new partner might make a person feel uncomfortable, but there are a lot of good reasons to talk. When a sexually active person has chosen to use condoms, it’s important to stand by that choice. A partner who refuses to use condoms isn’t ready for a sexually responsible relationship.
People who are sexually active should talk with a health care provider about their risks for STD. The provider can recommend any testing needed. Many people have STDs without realizing it because many people have STD with no signs or symptoms. The only way to find out for sure if you have an STD is to get tested.
All STDs can be treated, and many can be cured. When people test positive for STD, they need to work with a health care provider to plan treatment. They need to inform any current or past partners who may be at risk for the STD so they can also be tested. Sometimes the clinic or doctor’s office can inform the partners if the person doesn’t want to. It’s vital for the person to follow through on treatment.
Getting a positive STD test result can bring up a lot of feelings. People may feel surprise, shame, embarrassment, anger or fear. It’s normal to have these responses. But by getting tested and taking steps to treat the STD, the person is taking charge of the situation.
People can get more than one type of STD. They can also get an STD more than once. Being treated for gonorrhea, syphilis or chlamydia, for example, doesn’t protect a person from getting these STDs again. A person isn’t immune to an STD if they’ve had it before. Having one STD increases the chances of getting another STD. Sexually active people must take steps to protect their sexual health and protect the health of their partners.
