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 HIV to enter the body.

The National Youth Summit on HIV Prevention in May 1995 gave young attendees the opportunity to make recommendations to federal health officials and politicians about how to fight the HIV epidemic among youth. Their recommendations are:

* That state lawmakers "adopt" youth representatives to advise them

on AIDS policies that affect young people.

* That AIDS education begin in elementary school with

age-appropriate lessons.

* That students be counseled about HIV testing by the time they

reach high school.

* That teachers be required to be adequately trained in AIDS

education.

* That community meetings

be held to educate parents.

High School Students' Behavior

                             1990      1991      1993

Had                           54%      54%       53%
sexual
intercourse

Had sexual                    19%      19%       19%
intercourse with
four or more people

Used alcohol or               NA       12%       11%
drugs before last
sexual intercourse

Used condoms at               NA       46%       53%
last sexual intercourse

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1995.