Sexual health knowledge lacking among young women

Healthcare officials suggest more initiatives are needed to better educate young women about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). This recommendation comes after researchers from the University of Wisconsin Madison School of Nursing surveyed more than 300 women aged 18 to 24 years about various sexual health topics, according to the Courier Times.

Of the women, one third assumed certain STDs, including chlamydia and gonorrhea, were diagnosed by a visual examination. Chlamydia is one infection that has become a growing concern among young women, as they are three times more likely to contract it than men, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.

Also, 60 percent of the responses showed that women didn't think they should be tested for STDs if they used condoms during sex, the news source reports.

Medical experts fear that certain stigmas about women with STDs are also causing female patients to be less informed about STDs, screenings for infections and methods of protecting themselves against the spread of these diseases. The researchers found that women are concerned about what their doctors may think if the topic is raised, or are too embarrassed to discuss STDs.

Women who have unprotected sex, and are concerned or uncomfortable with making an appointment with their doctor, can benefit from purchasing an online testing kit.