What’s the CDC Saying?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides some eye-opening stats and trends:
- Teen Sex Stats: According to the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), 38.4% of high school students have had sexual intercourse, and 27.4% were sexually active in the past three months.
- Condom Use: 54.3% used a condom during their last sexual encounter.
- HIV Awareness: In 2019, young people aged 13–24 accounted for 21% of all new HIV diagnoses in the US.
- STDs on the Rise: Nearly half of the 20 million new STDs each year are among young people aged 15–24.
- Teen Birth Rates: Teen birth rates have plummeted by 73% since 1991, hitting a record low in 2019 of 16.6 births per 1,000 females aged 15-19.
- Disparities: There are racial and ethnic disparities in teen pregnancy and STI rates, with higher rates among Black and Hispanic youth.
- Education Impact: Only about half of teen mothers earn a high school diploma by age 22, compared to 90% of women who don’t give birth as teens.
- HPV Vaccination: The CDC recommends HPV vaccination for all adolescents at age 11 or 12 to prevent HPV-related cancers and diseases.
- LGBTQ+ Challenges: LGBTQ+ students are more likely to face bullying, depression, and risky sexual behaviors compared to their heterosexual peers.
Here are the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among American teens, based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other reputable health organizations:
- Chlamydia
- Most commonly reported STI in the United States
- In 2019, CDC reported that 1 in 20 sexually active females aged 14-24 had chlamydia
- Often asymptomatic, but can cause serious reproductive health issues if left untreated
- Gonorrhea
- Second most commonly reported STI in the US
- Rates have increased in recent years, particularly among teens and young adults
- Can cause serious complications if untreated, including infertility
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Most common STI in the US
- CDC estimates that nearly all sexually active people will get HPV at some point
- Some strains can cause genital warts or lead to cervical and other cancers
- HPV vaccination is recommended for teens to prevent infection
- Genital Herpes
- Caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2)
- CDC estimates about 1 in 6 people aged 14-49 have genital herpes
- Can cause recurrent outbreaks of genital sores
- Trichomoniasis
- A parasitic infection that is common but often undiagnosed
- More common in females than males
- Can increase risk of getting or spreading other STIs
- HIV/AIDS
- While less common than other STIs, HIV remains a serious concern
- Young people aged 13-24 accounted for 21% of new HIV diagnoses in 2019
- Disproportionately affects racial/ethnic minorities and LGBTQ+ youth
- Syphilis
- Rates have been increasing in recent years, including among teens
- Can cause serious health problems if left untreated
- Congenital syphilis (passed from mother to baby) is also a growing concern
Key points:
- Many STIs are asymptomatic, emphasizing the importance of regular testing
- Consistent and correct condom use can significantly reduce the risk of most STIs
- Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term health complications
- Comprehensive sex education and access to sexual health services are important for prevention
- Racial and socioeconomic disparities exist in STI rates among teens
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has some important advice for teens and their parents when it comes to sexual health:
- Start Early: The AAP recommends beginning comprehensive sexuality education in early childhood and continuing through adolescence. It’s never too early to start learning!
- Confidential Contraception: They support teens having confidential access to contraception, including long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs).
- Stay Sober: About 1 in 5 teens who have sex drink alcohol or use drugs beforehand. The AAP highlights the importance of avoiding substance use before sexual activity.
- LGBTQ+ Health Matters: The AAP stresses addressing LGBTQ+ health needs in pediatric care, including sexual health.
- Routine HIV Checks: They recommend routine HIV screening for all adolescents at least once between 16-18 years old in areas with high HIV rates.
What the Research Says
Studies show that comprehensive sex education can reduce risky behaviors. Here’s how:
- Better Health Outcomes: Access to confidential reproductive health services improves teen health outcomes.
- Parent-Teen Talks: Open communication about sex and relationships between parents and teens is linked to healthier behaviors.
- School Health Centers: These centers provide crucial access to sexual health services.
- Tech-Savvy Solutions: Social media and technology-based interventions are showing promise for sexual health education.
Staying informed and proactive can make a big difference in teen sexual health and well-being. Let’s keep the conversation going and make sure our teens have the knowledge and resources they need!
