Chicago (March 11, 2008) - A CDC study released today estimates that one in four, 26% of young women between the ages of 14 and 19 in the United States are infected with at least one of the most common STDs. These include genital warts or human papillomavirus (HPV), chlamydia, herpes simplex virus, (HSV) and trichomoniasis. 2% were infected with herpes. Data came from the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; 838 girls were in the study.

The study also found that African-American teenage girls were most severely affected. Nearly half of the young African-American women, 48% were infected with an STD, whereas 20% of young white and Mexican-American women were infected. "High STD infection rates among young women, particularly young African-American women, are clear signs that we must continue developing ways to reach those most at risk," said John M. Douglas, Jr., M.D., director of CDC's Division of STD Prevention. "STD screening and early treatment can prevent some of the most devastating effects of untreated STDs."

In the study, only about half of the teenage girls admitted to having sex. Some teens defined sex as intercourse only, not including other types of intimate behavior such as oral sex, which can also spread diseases. An alarming 40% of those who admitted to having sex, had an STD!

U.S. health officials called for better screening, vaccination and prevention, since some STDs can cause infertility and cancer.

References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention