STIs and Young People
Sexually transitted diseases (STD), also called sexually transmitted infections (STIs), affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and from all walks of life. In the U.S. alone there are approximately 19 million new cases each year, about half of which occur among youth ages 15-24 years.
The statistics are striking. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Half of all STIs occur in people 25 years of age or younger
- One in four new STI cases occur in teenagers.
- Young people (age 15-24) have five times the reported rate of chlamydia of the total population, four times the rate of gonorrhea and three times the rate of syphilis.
- In 2006, an estimated 5,259 young people aged 13-24 in the 33 states reporting to CDC were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, representing about 14% of the persons diagnosed that year.
Getting the facts about STDs/STIs and sexual health is important. Here you can learn more about STDs/STIs, get tips for reducing your risk, and find ways to talk with healthcare providers and partners.
Do you know . . .
your
status?
If you are sexually active or have been in the past, do you know your STI status? Learn more about testing and find a testing center near you.
how
to protect yourself?
If you choose to be sexually active, learn how to protect yourself from STIs!
