Adolescent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, are infections that are passed from one person to another during sex. Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for STIs. Having multiple partners or unprotected sex increases that risk.
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
Genital herpes
Gonorrhea
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Syphilis
Trichomoniasis
What are the signs and symptoms of Adolescent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)?
Many STIs can have mild symptoms, or none at all, but they can increase a teen’s risk of acquiring:
Teens should be tested for infections immediately if they develop symptoms such as:
Abnormal vaginal or penile discharge
Genital irritation
Swelling
Pain
Unusual genital bumps or sores
Irregular periods (in females)
How are Adolescent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) diagnosed?
Depending on what STIs your teen’s doctor is testing for, he or she may:
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.
How are Adolescent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) treated?
If your teen is diagnosed with an STI, treatment depends on the infection. It may include:
Antibiotics for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis
Anti-parasitic medication for trichomoniasis
Antiviral medications to treat and prevent outbreaks of, but not cure, herpes
Combination of antiviral medications to treat, but not cure, HIV
Creams to get rid of genital warts, but not the HPV virus
Adolescent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Doctors and Providers
