Sexually Transmitted Diseases In Adolescents

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

A sexually transmitted disease (STD) is an infection caused by bacteria or a virus. It is also known as a sexually transmitted infection. STDs are spread by oral, genital, or anal sex. Some examples of STDs include chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea. HIV and viral hepatitis are the most common sexually transmitted infections.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an STD caused by bacteria. Have your child take them as directed.
  
  
• Antivirals: These are given to fight an STD caused by a virus.
  
  
• Antifungals: These are given for fungal infections, such as a yeast infection.
  
  
• Give your child's medicine as directed: Call your child's primary healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if your child is allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your child takes. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list or the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

Follow up with your child's primary healthcare provider as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your child's visits.

Prevent the spread of an STD:

Ask your child's primary healthcare provider for more information about the following safe sex practices:

• Avoid infected partners: Your child should not have sex with anyone who has an STD. This includes oral and anal sex.
  
  
• Condoms: Have your child use a latex condom every time he has sex. Tell him to use a new condom each time.
  
  
• Limit sexual partners: Talk to your child about his sexual partners. Encourage him to have sex with only one person.
  
  
• No sex during treatment: Your child must not have sex while he or his sexual partner is being treated for an STD. The untreated partner can be infected or reinfected.
  
  
• Screening tests: If your child is sexually active, get him screened for STDs on a regular basis. This includes screening for chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and syphilis. Girls need a Pap test.
  
  
• Vaccines: Vaccines may help to lower your child's risk of some STDs. Ask your child's primary healthcare provider for more information on vaccines for STDs.

For more information:

• Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  1600 Clifton Rd.
  Atlanta , GA 30333
  Phone: 1- 800 - 232-4636
  Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/std
  

Contact your child's primary healthcare provider if:

• Your child has a fever.
  
  
• Your child's signs or symptoms get worse or come back after he finishes his treatment.
  
  
• Your child is pregnant.
  
  
• You have questions about your child's condition or care.

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• Your child has severe abdominal pain.
  
  
• Your child has genital swelling or pain, or unusual bleeding.
  
  
• Your child has joint pain, rash, swollen lymph nodes, or night sweats.

Learn more about Sexually Transmitted Diseases In Adolescents (Discharge Care)