STD is short for sexually transmitted diseases and they have been on the rise in recent years. In 2017 alone, there were more than 2.3 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. Although not every STD is permanent, it is best to know how to prevent getting one of these diseases. There are also sexually transmitted infections (STI) which are infections that don’t turn into diseases. Having an STD or an STI is embarrassing but can be prevented with the practice of safe sex. Some high school students understand the dangers. Kristin Reid ‘19 said, “ I would never engage in sexual activity with someone who had an STD/STI. It’s gross and I would hate to catch something.” One effective way to practice  safe sex is by using condoms. Condoms not only dramatically decrease the chances of getting an STD or an STI, but they also decrease the chances of a female getting pregnant. Julian Green ‘19 said, “Every male should wear condoms knowing that it decreases chances of both getting someone pregnant and having an STD/STI. As horrible as some people say it is, it’s better to be safe than sorry in the end.” If you are sexually active and believe to have an STD/STI it is in your best interest to go to the doctor immediately to be tested. If the test results come back positive you need to tell the people that you’ve engaged in sexual activity with so that they can get tested also and be sure to tell future sexual partners about your medical history.  Ashley Razo ‘20 said, “ It should be a crime to not tell someone about their sexual medical history because it impacts me too.” Remember to practice safe sex by wearing condoms and to get regular check ups at the doctor’s office.