Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Adolescents
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
A sexually transmitted disease (STD)
means signs or symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) have developed. An STI happens when bacteria or a virus are spread through oral, genital, or anal sex. Some examples of STDs are HIV, chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea.
Signs and symptoms of an STD
may include one or more of the following, depending on the STD:
- Blisters, warts, sores, or a rash on your skin that may be painful
- Discharge from the penis, vagina, or anus that may have a foul smell
- Fever, muscle pain, or swollen lymph nodes in the groin
- Inflammation and itching of the skin
- Pelvic or abdominal pain, or pain during sex or when urinating
- Sore throat, mouth ulcers, or trouble swallowing
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting after sex in females
Seek care for your adolescent immediately if:
- He or she has severe abdominal or pelvic pain.
- He or she has painful urination, genital swelling or pain, or unusual bleeding or discharge.
- He or she has joint pain, a fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, or night sweats.
You or your adolescent should call the doctor if:
- He or she has a fever.
- His or her symptoms do not go away or get worse, even after treatment.
- His or her partner has an STI.
- She may be pregnant, or his female partner may be pregnant.
- You have questions or concerns about his or her condition or care.
Treatment
depends on the STD. Antibiotics are given if the STD is caused by bacteria. Antivirals are given if it is caused by a virus. Antifungals may be given for a fungal infection, such as a yeast infection. Early treatment may decrease the risk for certain cancers. Early treatment can also help prevent infertility.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
How your adolescent can help prevent the spread of an STD:
You or a healthcare provider should tell him or her the following:
- Use a male or female condom during sex. This includes oral, genital, or anal sex. Use a new condom each time. Condoms help prevent pregnancy and STIs. Use latex condoms, if possible. Lambskin (also called sheepskin or natural membrane) condoms do not protect against STIs. A polyurethane condom can be used if there is an allergy to latex. Condoms should be used with a second form of birth control to help prevent pregnancy and STIs. Male and female condoms should not be used together.
- Do not have sex with someone who has an STI or STD. This includes oral and anal sex.
- Get screened for STIs regularly if sexually active. Common tests include chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis. This will depend on your adolescent's age and other STI risk factors.
- Talk to sex partners about STIs. Partners may need to be tested and treated. Tell your adolescent not to have sex while he or she is being treated for an STI. He or she should not have sex with a partner who is being treated.
- Medicines can lower the risk for some STIs:
- Vaccines can help protect against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and the human papillomavirus (HPV). The HPV vaccine is usually given at 11 years, but it may be given through 26 years to both females and males. Healthcare providers can give you and your adolescent more information on vaccines to prevent STIs.
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may be given if your adolescent is at high risk for HIV. PrEP is taken every day to prevent the virus from fully infecting the body.
Follow up with your adolescent's doctor as directed:
He or she may need more tests. If your adolescent has an STD, he or she may need immediate or ongoing treatment. His or her doctor may also refer him or her to a specialist who can provide specific treatment. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- 4 of the Most Common STDs: What to Know
- 9 Facts About Current HIV Treatment
- Antibiotic Resistance: The Top 10 List
- Antibiotic Shortages: A Serious Safety Concern
- Antibiotics 101
- Antibiotics and Birth Control Pill Interactions
- Antibiotics For UTI Treatment - What Are My Options?
- Anticholinergic Drugs to Avoid in the Elderly
- Can You Drink Alcohol with Antibiotics?
- Common Side Effects from Antibiotics, and Allergies and Reactions
- National HIV Testing Day
Treatment options
- Medications for CNS Infection
- Medications for Eye Conditions
- Medications for HIV Infection
- Medications for Infection
- Medications for Infectious Anterior Uveitis
- Medications for Infectious Endocarditis
- Medications for Infectious Endophthalmitis
Care guides
- AIDS
- Chlamydia
- Genital Herpes Infection
- Gonorrhea
- HIV Infection
- Nonspecific Urethritis in Men
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Symptoms and treatments
Medicine.com guides (external)
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
