Incidence and consequences of STDs.(sexually transmitted diseases)(Statistical Data Included)

Every year, 3 million teenagers acquire an STD. Adolescents thus account for a quarter of the 12 million new sexually transmitted infections that occur annually in the United States (134) (Figure 28, page 38).

* About 25% of sexually experienced adolescents become infected each year. (135)

* Roughly 13% of young people between the ages of 13 and 19 contract an STD annually. (136)

The Variety of STDs

A wide variety of diseases can be transmitted through sexual intimacy. Chlamydia, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, human papillomavirus (HPV), genital herpes, hepatitis B, syphilis and HTV are among the most common STDs. Some diseases, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and syphilis, can generally be cured quite easily if they are detected and treated early. On the other hand, viral infections--such as HPV, genital herpes, hepatitis B and HIV--cannot be cured and can be transmitted to sexual partners even years after initial infection. Some 56 million Americans--more than one in five--are estimated to be infected with a viral STD other than HIV; 1 million are believed to have the virus that causes AIDS. (137)

Data on STD incidence and prevalence among teenagers are often incomplete or extrapolated from small clinical samples. Available information, however, suggests that some STDs are extremely common among adolescents.

* Between 10% and 29% of sexually experienced adolescent women tested for STDs have been found to have chlamydia. (138)