Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

It's the type of story that shocks. A number of young women, many teen-agers, in Chautauqua County, New York were unknowingly exposed to and infected with HIV, the AIDS virus, by one man through sex.

Yet in Genesee County we have epidemics of even larger proportion: gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia. These are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). STDs can be linked to unprotected sex, multiple sex partners and use of drugs and alcohol. Often people do not tell sex partners that they have an STD.

Gonorrhea and chlamydia are the most commonly reported communicable diseases in Genesee County. These bacterial infections cause serious or even life-threatening health problems if not treated early. Young people are hit hardest by these STDs. In 1995, Genesee County teens, aged 15 to 19 years, accounted for 37% of reported chlamydia cases and 29% of gonorrhea cases. Many teen-agers do not see themselves at risk, believing only "certain" people get STDs. But they often make choices that may expose them to STDs.

Parents do not want their teen-agers to have sex. They advise them to "just say no", and abstinence is the best prevention. Yet, parents may only first know that their teen is having sex when they get a STD. Teens need more knowledge and skills to cope with their growing sexuality then just "no." Adults too, must be fully informed about methods of prevention and treatment. Everyone must have the information they need to make safe and responsible choices, whatever their choice might be. Sexually transmitted diseases can be prevented. For more information about STD prevention, call the Genesee County Health Department at (810) 257-3440.