Adolescents and sexually transmissible diseases.
Sexually transmitted infections are alarmingly common among adolescents in the United States. Behavioral, biologic, and health care access factors place adolescent girls at high risk for many common infections. This population also experiences a disproportionate burden related to the sequelae of STDs. The costs are high for the individual adolescent and for society. Clinicians treating adolescent girls should address the general lack of knowledge about the risks and consequences of STDs. They should be prepared to offer confidential and comprehensive counseling, screening, and treatment according to established guidelines. Office policies that protect adolescent confidentiality are an important component in providing effective care. Adolescence is a period during which lifelong health behaviors are established. It provides a critical opportunity for promoting responsible behaviors and reducing risks through health promotion and prevention strategies.
Vermillion
S T
ST
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA. vermills@musc.edu
Holmes
M M
MM
Soper
D E
DE
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B; D006801:Humans; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections; D012307:Risk Factors; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D002575:Uterine Cervicitis; D014627:Vaginitis