The STOPLight

Sexually transmitted diseases on the rise

A registered nurse working for an outpatient medical clinic in Hennepin County sees many children coming in with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and/or pregnancy. In questioning, she has discovered that many of them are, in fact, in prostitution. She places information from the PRIDE program (see cover story) and from WHISPER* (Women Hurt In Systems of Prostitution Engaged in Revolt) in public areas of the clinic and finds that 30 to 50 brochures are taken each month — hopefully providing help to those who need it.

The following statistics about the increase in STDs among youth, both male and female, are from the Minnesota Public Health Department. They tell a shocking story.

		Ages 10-14	Ages 15-19
1985
	Chlamydia	Not reported
	Gonorrhea	83	489
	Syphilis	0	4
1986
	Chlamydia	37	639
	Gonorrhea	83	1430
	Syphilis	0	7
1987
	Chlamydia	74	1700
	Gonorrhea	73	1122
	Syphilis	0	4
1988
	Chlamydia	94	2488
	Gonorrhea	66	1239
	Syphilis	0	0
1989
	Chlamydia	235	2851
	Gonorrhea	101	1239
	Syphilis	0	13

Other possible consequences of sexual activity, whether consential, sexual abuse or prostitution, could be:

Pregnancy (subject to all complications of pregnancy especially in preteens and young teens)

Abortion (induced or spontaneous)

AIDS

Hepatitis B

Trichomonas

Gradernella

Herpes

PID (increases the possibility of future tubal pregnancy or sterility)

Venereal warts

Pubic lice (crabs)

HPV virus (increasing the possibility of cancer of the cervix in girls are sexually active at puberty)

Education about STDs is urgently needed by all girls and boys so they are aware of the risks, know the symptoms and where to get help.