Sex, contraception and health.
BACKGROUND
Young Australian people aged 12-25 years are sexually active at a younger age and have more sexual partners compared to previous generations. Pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates are high in this age group. Sexual violence, discrimination against same sex attracted youth, and associated health risk behaviours such as alcohol and drug use are also important sexual health issues for adolescents.


OBJECTIVE
This article describes current trends in adolescent sexual health in Australia, provides an update on contraception, screening and prevention of STIs, and provides practical tips on how to discuss sexual health with adolescent patients.


CONCLUSIONS
General practitioners can play an important role in protecting and promoting the sexual health of their adolescent patients. Together with educational and public health strategies, effective clinical care provided by GPs can help to improve current sexual health issues faced by young people and prevent long term health problems.
Department of General Practice, The University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia. mkang@med.usyd.edu.au
Melissa
M
Kang
Rachel
R
Skinner
Terri
T
Foran
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001315:Australia; D002648:Child; D003270:Contraceptive Agents; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*
D003270:Contraceptive Agents