Sexually transmitted diseases (also known as STDs or STIs for "sexually transmitted infections") are infectious diseases that spread from person to person through intimate contact. STDs can affect guys and girls of all ages and backgrounds who are having sex. Unfortunately, STDs have become common among teens. Because teens are more at risk for getting some STDs, it's important to learn what they can do to protect themselves. As with many other diseases, prevention is key. This program explains: What are STDs?, Types of STDs?, How are STDs Spread?, Preventing and Treating STDs, Who Can Get HIV?, Hepatitis B how is it spread?

*This program is part of the REAL LIFE TEENS SERIES - an unbiased and realistic look from the perspective of teens, at the wide variety of issues teens face today featuring young teenagers telling their real stories, in their own words. The series discusses significant issues in adolescent society and cuts through many barriers with its honest and relevant advice and information. A revolutionary guidance series, REAL LIFE TEENS offers unprecedented access into the hidden teen world that’s insightful, fascinating and provocative. Told from the perspective of teens, with input from teachers and school personnel, our young subjects confront the trauma and drama of coping and surviving in today’s often confusing world. We all know that communicating with teens can be difficult - they often do not like to be talked to by "adults" - but they do listen to what their peer group is saying and thinking. This is the rationale behind this series. Each program is designed to provoke thought and conversation amongst teens about topics many find unable to voice and to show students their particular issue is shared by many others. This ground-breaking series should be part of every school’s resources as well as Libraries, peer support groups, teen clubs, mental health and social service agencies and media resource centers.