Herpes

Do you think kids should be shown pictures of genitals infected with herpes to discourage illicit sex?

Public Comments

1. no, its a bit over the edge.
2. Hell yes. Fear is a much more powerful element than nice talk.
3. It would depend on what age you are talking about, and I think this is something the parents should be aware of before it is shown.
4. Pre-teen to teen, yes. Not to discourage illicit sex, but to make them aware of what's out there. When I was a teen the term herpes was bandied about alot. We all knew it was something icky that you didn't really want to get, but seeing it in living color brings that point home. At that point you realize that it's going to be very painful and it's not going to go away. You will be living with it for life. When you see that, you tend to think about whether you want to see your private parts looking the same way and whether you would want your significant other to see it.
5. Most genitals infected with herpes don't look like the pictures you find. Most people who have it don't even know it (75%). And, in the younger age set, a larger and larger percentage are getting it from oral sex because they think if they remain a virgin they won't get this stuff. Definie "illicit" sex. What makes it illicit?
6. No, because it would probably not be an effective way to discourage risky behavior. Most kids and even young adults have this "it won't happen to me" thing going. And though herpes is painful, it is not usually fatal. There are worse STDs- HIV, Hepatitis C, Papillomavirus (genital warts), Chlamydia, etc. I work in a clinical lab and these diseases are very prevalent.
7. No I dont agree with that at all. You should have a open relationship with your children, and realize that if they want to have sex they are going to do it anyways.
8. As a health educator, I DO show pictures of genitals infected with STDs, but it's not to discourage sexual activity. After I inform them about sex, it's their choice whether they wish to engage in sexual activity or not (and I tell them that). They don' make my choices and I'm not there to make their choices--only to insure they are educated BEFORE they make those choices. I do not show them pictures for shock value, either. I can only verbally explain what a herpes outbreak looks like so much. Honestly, a picture says a thousand words. I can explain the red, painful blisters in graphic detail, but unless they have ever seen it, there is no better way than to show pictures. Same with the syphilitic bumps, same with yellow discharge associated with gonorrhea and chlamydia. What teacher who really wants their students to understand the concept they are trying to teach doesn't use visuals, regardless of subject?
9. Definitely.
10. I think kids that are taking part in sex should be educated on what look for if they think someone has an STD. If that discourage sex so be it. other wise have kids running around play with a gun that they think is not loaded but in reality there is a bullet in the chamber.
11. yes. but when you say kids, i am unsure of the age range. if you're talking about high school kids. then yes, i feel that it is necessary. some people just do not learn unless they are shown the side effects. i see nothing wrong with it for educational purposes. the more you are aware the better off you will be. and not only will it scare the kids with an explanation of the disgusted picture, but by some chance they will be able to look for signs of the disease if they by chance have it, and that is a heads up. education is all about making aware and enriching.
12. It sounds like a good idea for teenagers but as we all know teens think they are invincible that nothing can hurt them or it wont happen to them. It's just like when you show the results of drinking and driving evening bodies at the morgue from auto accidents from alcohol and teen drivers that still does not stop them from drinking and driving......sad but true Maybe if they had to help at an AIDS clinic or see people dying of AIDS that may be a reality check....."MAYBE"
13. yes ,because kids are having sex at very young ages now and not knowing what their getting into,and it should start at middle school
14. depends on ages of kids and their levels of maturity and understanding. for the younger set , 1-10) ?definitely not
15. std's do not just happen in illicit sex...but regardless, yes, i think it has steered away many kids who might have a higher risk factor to engage in sexual intercourse....especially when they are not mature enough to know all the emotions involved as well.
16. Yes, I do think kids should be aware of the consequences of irresponsible behavior without precautions and maturity to engage in sex! Hopefully, this will discourage spontaneous acts that could result in disaster!!!!
17. yes I do
18. They do see it here in Ky.In high school it is required to take the class,I have had 4 in high school here and all of them came home and told me about it.
19. No one wants to see your genitals honey.
20. oh yeah! man you show a kid pictures of an actuall infection i can gaurantee they will think twice about having sex
21. Yes, infoct my health teacher did just that and It made me more carfull with who i had sex with although it should be show at the highschool level. I think that younger kids may get to freeked out about it.