The STD talk we never had when it actually mattered

Most of us learned about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) sometime around middle school. It usually went like this: a health teacher pulled out a slideshow, warned us about HIV, told us to “Be careful,” and then that was it. No follow-up. No refresher. Just vibes and vague fear.

The problem is that sex education did not grow up with us, even though we did.

STDs are not a niche issue, or something that only affects other people. They are common, especially among teens and young adults, and many people do not even realize they have one. Medical professionals note that STDs are often asymptomatic, meaning you can feel completely fine while still carrying and spreading an infection. In other words, no symptoms do not mean no problem.

So, what exactly are STDs? They are infections passed through sexual contact, caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Some of the most common include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HPV, herpes, and HIV. While they all sound intimidating, here is the part that usually gets skipped in middle school health class: many STDs are either curable, or manageable, especially when caught early.

Symptoms can vary widely and sometimes do not appear at all. When they do, they may include unusual discharge, pain during urination, sores, rashes, pelvic pain, or flu-like symptoms. None of these are very specific, which is why diagnosing yourself based on how you feel is not a reliable strategy. This is exactly why testing exists.

Even so, testing is something many people avoid. Not because it is unavailable, but because of stigma. There is an unspoken assumption that getting tested means you did something wrong, when it just means you are taking care of your health. Regular screening is recommended for sexually active people, even when everything seems normal. Especially when everything seems normal.

Treatment depends on the type of infection. Bacterial STDs such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea can usually be cured with antibiotics. Viral STDs, including herpes and HIV, do not currently have cures, but they are treatable. With proper medical care, people can live normal, healthy lives. This is a fact that is rarely emphasized early on.

Prevention is not complicated either. Using condoms correctly, getting tested regularly, communicating openly with partners, and using vaccines like the HPV vaccine can significantly reduce risk. None of this information is new. It is just information we were not reminded of when it became relevant.

The uncomfortable truth is that we were taught about STDs before we understood sex and then left on our own once we did. Updating sex education for older teens and young adults would not encourage risky behaviour. It would encourage informed behaviour, and that is the point.

Silence does not prevent STDs. Education does.