Biggest Myths about STIs

Awards

Bronze Telly Award

Reviews

Public health consultant and media personality Franciso Ramirez hosts this frank video that disproves myths about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which encompass gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV/AIDS, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Through discussions with young adults on college campuses and city streets, Ramirez hears many misconceptions about STIs. Studio interviews with medical experts provide factual information, including that one quarter of sexually active teens are infected and so it is important for teens to understand how to stay healthy. Other areas of discussion include testing information, symptoms, and follow up. Successfully treated STIs can return and often there are no visible signs of infection. Sexual activity, including same-sex situations, are addressed and the myth that “you can avoid STIs by having oral sex” is disspelled. Employing an upbeat, nonjudgmental outlook, this is suggested for both school and public library collections.

— Lucinda Whitehurst, Booklist Online

A 20-something host asks questions about contracting and spreading STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) directly to the camera and follows up by questioning young men and women about each myth that he is investigating. After each myth is discussed by the young adults, expert testimony is given by Dr. David Bell, New York Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University; Jane Bogart, M.A., Director of Student Wellness, Columbia University; and Elizabeth Schroeder, Ed.D, MSW, Rutgers University. Among the most common myths that are investigated are: STIs are transmitted by trashy people, you can tell who's risky by a person's appearance, oral sex doesn't spread STIs, sex with a virgin won't spread infections, lesbian sex is safe, you can't get an STI a second time, among others. The host reveals that one in four sexually active teens has an STI, and that most of those infected are asymptomatic. The 24-page teacher's guide includes National Health Education Standard Indicators, pre- and post-tests, student activities, fact sheets, and other resources. An excellent resource for all teens.

—Ann Weber, Bellarmine College Prep., San Jose, CA

School Library Journal

Highly Recommended  An important educational tool that is straight forward with information presented in a way that’s easy for teens and young adults to understand, The Biggest Myths About STIs seeks to dispel false beliefs about sexually transmitted infections. The idea of encouraging teens and young adults to do their research about something as serious as STIs makes this video a must have for high school and public library collections; especially at a time when teens and young adults are inundated with so much information from so many unreliable sources. Opening with common, attention grabbing myths, this video gives viewers an opportunity to test their knowledge about what’s true and what’s false about STIs. In addition to offering historical references about myths and how they come to be, the narrator interviews average young adults on their knowledge about STIs; while, medical experts present viewers with the facts. Websites that provide accurate information about STIs are listed at the end. 

—Professor Carl R. Andrews, Reference & Instruction Librarian, Bronx Community College
Educational Media Reviews Online (EMRO)