How Common Are STDs in Teens? The Answer Will Surprise You

A 2008 study by the Centers for Disease Control offered the first-ever look at the prevalence of common sexually transmitted diseases in girls between the ages of 14 and 19. The results were startling: 25% of all teenage girls in America have some form of sexually transmitted disease. Among girls who are sexually active, the rate of infection is 40%.

Common STDs
The most common STDs among teenage girls are the human papillomavirus (HPV) and chlamydia. HPV, which causes genital warts, is of particular concern in girls because it can be precursor to cervical cancer.

Herpes and trichomoniasis were the other most common infections. Trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection that increases the chance of low birth weight and premature birth in infected women. It also increases a woman's risk of contracting or spreading HIV, because of inflammation in the genitals.

What all of these diseases have in common is that they can be spread without engaging in intercourse. Any contact with infected fluids or sores, either through oral sex or rubbing that doesn't involve intercourse, will allow them to spread. These diseases can also occur in areas near the male genitals that aren't covered by a condom, allowing them to spread even if a couple is engaging in protected intercourse.

Stopping the Spread of STDs
Teens may be particularly vulnerable to STDs because of their feelings of invulnerability, a belief that STDs only occur in older people or the mistaken belief that a condom prevents all STDs. To stop these diseases from spreading, parents need to have that sometimes-uncomfortable conversation about the facts of sexually transmitted diseases.

• Anyone can have an STD. It doesn't matter how well you know somebody, whether or not they're a virgin or whether they look healthy. Any time a person engages in sexual activity, there's a risk of getting an STD. People with some STDs may not have obvious symptoms; for example, men can spread trichomoniasis even though they have no visible symptoms.
• You don't need to have intercourse to get an STD. Oral sex and mutual masturbation can lead to infection in some cases. Close genital-to-genital contact without physical intercourse can also cause these diseases to spread.
• Condoms don't offer full protection. Herpes and HPV can be spread to areas that a condom doesn't cover. While condom use should be encouraged to stop the spread of HIV and to reduce the risk of pregnancy, it's not a guaranteed way to stop all STDs. Condoms made from natural materials may not provide protection against HIV and other STDs, because they're just porous enough to allow viruses through.
• Get tested regularly. Any sexually active person should have regular screenings for STDs, even if that person is in a monogomous relationship. Teen relationships can come and go quickly, and it's not uncommon for sexually active teens to have multiple partners. Regular screenings will let you know if you're infected. Girls should take this advice seriously, because some STDs can have long-term effects on reproductive health even after the symptoms have been treated.