Chlamydia is one of the most common STD or Sexually Transmitted Diseases occurring in teenage children. This is because oftentimes, persons infected with it show no symptoms of the condition and would therefore; pass unknowingly the bacteria from one sexual partner to another.
Parents also tend to refuse in acknowledging that their teenage child is infected because this would indicate that he/she is sexually promiscuous at a very early age.
This realization may indicate that in some way the parent may have neglected the child.
We have to accept this fact though, because the only constant thing in this world is change. What we had considered as taboo and unusual during our times, are no longer considered as unusual now in this society of constant change.
The dreadful fact shows that there is now a growing percentage of teens acquiring not only Chlamydia infection but other STDs as well, like gonorrhea, and worst HIV and syphilis.
Since we cannot be with our children 24 hours a day, then we must have to warn them about the dangers of sexual promiscuity. Letting them know that being sexually active at an early life has its disadvantages. Their knowledge of these, may decrease the likelihood of them contracting the disease.
We must warn them that:
1. STDs, like Chlamydia, is commonly acquired through sexual intercourse. This occurs when the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis enters the sexual organs, the mouth and the anal organs.
2. When Chlamydia is untreated and undiagnosed it could lead to more severe conditions like PID or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease which is an inflammation of the pelvis, rectum and then eye inflammation when the bacteria invade the tissues of the eyes.
3. Wearing condom cannot truly protect them because the person may have the bacteria in his throat or anus.
4. Early pregnancy can result too, which would be a major, stressful responsibility for the child.
5. Infertility could result too.
6. When an abnormal vaginal discharge or pain in urination occurs, a medical-laboratory check-up should be done to ascertain the cause of the symptoms.
7. There are more severe, lifetime conditions – like HIV and syphilis – which they would be acquiring through sexual intercourse.
In the end, if we have given our best to educate our children on the dangers of sexual promiscuity and had taught them the significant moral values that they should learn, then they would certainly act as responsible and well-behaved teenagers.
Photo by ecastro
