Sexual Conditions Health Center

Sexually active teenagers and young adults are at high risk for STIs because they have biological changes during the teen years that increase their risk for getting an STI and they may be more likely to:

• Have unprotected sex.
• Engage in high-risk sexual behaviors.
• Have partners who have high-risk sexual behaviors.

Studies show:

• Sexually active teens and young adults:
  • Ages 15 to 24 years old get almost half of all new STIs each year.
  • Have the highest rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea.
• About 1 out of 5 women and 1 out of 9 men get genital herpes, and it is more common in women than in men.
• As many as half of all sexually active men and women have been infected with genital types of human papillomavirus (HPV) at some time in their lives.
• Syphilis rates have increased.
• New HIV infections have increased in people ages 13 to 29.

It is important to seek treatment if you think you may have an STI or have been exposed to an STI. Most health departments, family planning clinics, and STI clinics provide confidential services for the diagnosis and treatment of STIs. Early treatment can cure a bacterial STI and prevent complications.

If you are a parent of a teenager, there are many resources available, such as your health professional or family planning clinics, to help you talk with your teen about safe sex, preventing STIs, and being evaluated and treated for STIs.

Risks specific to women with sexually transmitted infections

In women, STIs can cause a serious infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes (reproductive organs) called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID may cause scar tissue that blocks the fallopian tubes, leading to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic abscess, or chronic pelvic pain.

STIs in pregnant women may cause problems such as:

• Miscarriage.
• Low birth weight.
• Premature delivery.
• Infections in their newborn baby, such as pneumonia, eye infections, or nervous system problems.

Risks specific to men with sexually transmitted infections

• Infection and inflammation of the epididymis, urethra, anus, and prostate

Any child or vulnerable adult with symptoms of an STI needs to be evaluated by a health professional to determine the cause and to assess for possible sexual abuse.

If you have symptoms of an STI or have been exposed to an STI whether by oral, anal, or vaginal sexual activity, check your symptoms to decide if and when you should see a doctor.