Adolescent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)

What are Adolescent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)?

If your teenager is sexually active, or considering becoming sexually active, he or she needs to learn how to prevent STIs and the importance of testing and prompt treatment if he or she is at risk for an STI.

What are the different types of Adolescent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)?

The most common types of STIs include:

Chlamydia

Can Adolescent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) be prevented?

The best way for your teenager to prevent STIs is to avoid sexual activity (abstinence). At Children’s Health, we will explain the potential consequences of sexual activity – especially risky or unprotected sex.

If teens are already sexually active, or planning to be, we recommend: 

• Using condoms every time they have sex. 
  • Condoms are not guaranteed to prevent all STIs, but they greatly reduce the risk of acquiring the most dangerous ones – like HIV.
• Limiting the number of sexual partners

If your teen is sexually active, he or she should get regular tests for STIs. Though most females can wait until 21 years old to start regular pap smears, all sexually active young females should visit their physician for annual exams.

The Center for Disease Control recommends that all teenagers be offered HIV testing and that sexually active female teenagers be tested annually for gonorrhea and chlamydia. Testing for syphilis is recommended only if a sexually active female has symptoms. Certain sexually active males should be offered screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea, and should be screened for syphilis.  And, it’s important for your teen to receive regular counseling about STI and HIV prevention.