Sexually transmitted diseases and adolescents.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) present a major public health problem in the United States with rates among the highest in the industrialized world, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although STDs infect people of every age, background and socioeconomic level, people under age 25 account for nearly two-thirds of all reported cases. Three million teenagers, one out of every six, aged 13 to 19, contract and STD every year. Nearly one-fifth of all AIDS cases are reported among young people between the ages of 13 and 29.

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STDs are among the most preventable infectious diseases in the United States. Though there are treatments for many common STDs, many of these infections are caused by viruses and cannot be cured. Some sexually active adolescents put themselves at higher risk of becoming infected through unprotected intercourse or by using drugs or alcohol. According to the American Social Health Organization, many teens who are infected don't know it because symptoms may not appear for some time, and they continue to infect others. When not treated, STDs can lead to serious and sometimes lifelong and painful health problems including cancer, ectopic pregnancy, chronic pain, infertility, complications in newborns and even death. Chlamydia, herpes and papilloma infections are more common among youths than any other age group.

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Some STDs like genital herpes, gonorrhea and syphilis make it easier for...