title: Sexual health in adolescents.
abstract: Young people are particularly vulnerable to poor sexual health outcomes of high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancy. They partake in riskier sexual behaviors with higher rates of sexual partner change and poor levels of contraception, including condom use. Access to services may be limited either through lack of appropriate services or disinclination to seek out services. We review the biological, cognitive, behavioral, and socioeconomic risk factors that contribute to their poor sexual health outcomes. Details include the epidemiology, presentation and complications of STIs and pregnancy in adolescents, the clinical assessment of adolescents, contraception options, confidentiality, consent and safeguarding, and key characteristics of successful adolescent services.
authors.affiliation: Locum Consultant Sexual Health and HIV, Department of Medical GU, St Helier Hospital, Wrythe Lane, Carshalton, SM5 1AA, London, United Kingdom. Electronic address: cerislater@nhs.net.
authors.forename: Ceri
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Slater
authors.affiliation: Consultant Sexual Health and HIV, Department of Genitourinary Medicine Mortimer Market Centre, CNWL Foundation Trust, WC1E 6JB, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Angela J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Robinson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D016497:Adolescent Health Services; D003219:Confidentiality; D003267:Contraception; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence; D060728:Reproductive Health; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*