Sexual Health Education

Then end of each semester marks an exciting time for sexual health education in some Winnebago County high schools!  Over the last few years, we have been grateful to partner with Oshkosh and Omro 9th grade health teachers in sharing a more comprehensive sexual health education during the health classes' human growth and development units, specifically about the prevention, testing and treatment of STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) among the age group of 15-19 year olds.  Why do we place such an important emphasis on this young age group you ask?  By law, certain diagnosed diseases have to be reported to the health department for follow up.  Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are among these.  As you can see by the graph below, we had nearly 200 reported cases of Chlamydia in 2013 in the age group of 15-19 in Winnebago County.  These are again, just the cases that were reported, which means a person would have had to actually gone in to get tested. Since STIs often have no symptoms, there are surly many more cases floating around in Winnebago County that have not been diagnosed or reported.

While in the high school classes, we discuss the importance of delaying sexual initiation of any kind, including anal, oral and vaginal sex, all of which we know can spread STIs.  We also focus on the importance of using protection if engaging in these behaviors such as male condoms, female condoms, and dental dams to aid in the prevention of STIs.  Lastly, we provide information to students on where they can get free or low cost prevention, testing and treatment services and answer any questions they may have.  We look forward to possible expansion into more high schools in Winnebago County!  Remember:

Know your status!  Get yourself tested!  Happy Summer!