Sexually Transmitted Infections
摘要
Approximately 30% of U.S. teenagers report being sexually active, yet only 5% are tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) annually. STIs often go unreported by teenagers, which may suggest why 15 to 24-year-olds represent 50% of all newly acquired STI’s annually, as reported in the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report (Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Youth risk behavior survey data summary & trends report. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/pdf/yrbs_data-summarytrends_report2023_508.pdf). STIs can be asymptomatic or present with vague symptoms that mimic other conditions. STIs may cause serious and long-term effects if untreated. In the school environment, a trusted and knowledgeable health care provider who can discreetly discuss concerns and identify children in need of STI testing is valuable to adolescent health.