Sexually Transmitted Infections

• DOI: 10.1007/s40746-016-0058-4
• Publication Date: 2016-08-23T01:00:55Z
• Authors: Sarah Mermelstein; Katie Plax
• Keywords: Sexual abstinence; Sexual transmission

High prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) among adolescents is a significant public health concern. New and repeat STI acquisition in teens and young adults remains disproportionate to other age groups. Conversations with adolescent patients should include education about abstinence, use of barrier protection, reducing number of sexual partners, STI screening recommendations, how to access services for testing and treatment, partner treatment, and availability of effective vaccines against STIs such as human papillomavirus and hepatitis B virus. As early detection and prompt intervention is critical to decreasing disease complications, transmission, and overall community prevalence, it is essential to provide greater access to testing and treatment.