Sexually Transmitted Diseases In Adolescents

What is a sexually transmitted disease?

Sexually Transmitted Diseases In Adolescents Care Guide

Sexually Transmitted Diseases In Adolescents
Sexually Transmitted Diseases In Adolescents Aftercare Instructions
Sexually Transmitted Diseases In Adolescents Discharge Care
Sexually Transmitted Diseases In Adolescents Inpatient Care
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A sexually transmitted disease, also called an STD, is an infection that is spread by having sex. STDs are contagious diseases caused by germs. They are usually passed on to others through sexual intercourse or other sexual contact. Common STDs in adolescents include Chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, genital warts caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), and trichomoniasis. Other STDs include hepatitis B, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), syphilis, pubic lice, and scabies.

What causes a sexually transmitted disease?

Most STDs are caused by different kinds of germs, such as bacteria and viruses. The germs that cause STDs can be spread by any form of sexual contact, including oral (mouth) and anal sex. Your teenaged child may get an STD through mucous membrane contact with another's infected body fluid. Mucous membranes are those areas of the body that are usually moist, such as the mouth or vagina. Body fluids can contain the germs that cause STDs. They include saliva, urine, blood, vaginal fluids, and semen. Breaks in the skin, or having an open sore or infected skin are other ways that germs can enter the body. Some STDs, such as lice and scabies, are caused by parasites (small creatures that live on the body).

What puts my child at risk of having a sexually transmitted disease?

Teenagers are at risk to get STDs when they become sexually active. They have higher rates of getting STDs compared to adults. This happens due to physical differences and other age-related factors that increase their risks for getting STDs. These factors include:

Disease resistance:
- Immature cervix: In teenaged females, the cervix (lower part of the womb) is more susceptible to infection.
- Immune system: Teenagers' immune systems have not been exposed before to STD germs. The immune system is part of the body that fights infection. At first exposure, a teenager's body will have a more limited response to STD germs. The limited response puts him more at risk to get the disease the STD germ can cause.
Gender differences: Being female. The vagina is a large mucous membrane area that may get small tears during intercourse. Females have higher rates for getting infected with Chlamydia, HIV, and herpes. Girls who have sex during their menses (period) are also more likely to get an STD.
Mental health: Having mental health problems can lead to risky behavior. These mental health problems include having poor self esteem, depression (a very deep sadness), or problems with self-control, family, or the community.
Risky behaviors: Teenagers may act in ways that can be harmful to their mental and physical health. They may be influenced by their friends, classmates, community, and the media, such as radio and TV. They often do not fully understand the dangers of these behaviors:
- Alcohol and drug use: These substances can impair judgment and increase the risk of having unsafe sex. Intravenous (IV) drug use increases the risk of getting viral hepatitis and HIV.
- Early age activity: Starting to have sex at a young age.
- Multiple partners: Having sex with many people. This includes having more than one sex partner, changing partners frequently, or having a sexual partner who has other sexual partners.
- Older partner: Having a sexual partner who is older than the teenager. An older sex partner may have had more exposure to STDs and may spread STDs. An older partner may also be able to influence or coerce your teenager into doing other risky behaviors.
Skin breaks: Having any cuts or other breaks in the skin, or open sores when having sexual contact. This includes new tattoos or body piercings.
Unprotected sex: Many sexual contacts between teenagers are not planned. They often happen without the use of condoms and birth control measures.

What are the signs and symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease?

Your teenager may have no signs or symptoms. If signs or symptoms are present, he may have any of the following depending on what STD he has:

Blisters, warts, sores, or a rash on his skin which may or may not be painful.
Discharge from the penis, vagina, or anus, which may have a bad smell.
Fever, headache, muscle pain, or swollen lymph nodes in the groin.
Inflammation (redness and swelling) and itching of the skin.
Pelvic, scrotal, or abdominal (belly) pain, or pain during sex or when urinating.
Sore throat, mouth ulcers, or trouble swallowing.
Vaginal bleeding or spotting after having sex.

How is a sexually transmitted disease diagnosed?

Your teenager may choose to seek healthcare for a suspected STD on his own and without telling you . All states have laws about minors (children less than 18 years old) and STDs. These laws allow minors to be tested and treated for STDs without a parent's consent or knowledge. These laws allow your teenager's caregivers to not have to share his STD diagnosis and treatment information with you. Your teenager may not feel comfortable sharing this information with you.

Your teenager's caregiver will ask him about his sexual and medical history. He will ask about any STDs that your teenager has had before. Your teenager may be asked about the health condition of his sexual partner or partners. Your teenager will have a physical exam where his caregiver will closely look at the affected area. This may be your teenager's genital area, anal area, or mouth. In girls, caregivers may need to do a pelvic exam to check the vagina and internal sex organs. Your teenaged child may also have any of the following:

Blood tests: Your child may need blood taken for tests. The blood is tested to see how your child's body is doing. It can give your child's caregivers more information about his health condition. Your child may need to have blood drawn more than once.
Culture: This is a test to grow and identify the germ that is causing your child's infection. A sample may be taken by rubbing a cotton swab on the area or by getting a sample of fluid discharge.
Smear test: A sample, such as discharge, is taken from the affected area and checked under the microscope. This will help caregivers learn what is causing your child's condition.
Urine test: A sample of your child's urine is collected and sent to a lab for tests.

How is a sexually transmitted disease treated?

Treatment for STD depends on the infection your teenager has. Antibiotic or antiviral medicine may be given to fight the infection. His sex partner may also need treatment. If his partner is not treated, your teenager may get the infection back. Your teenager should not have sex until his caregiver says it is OK to have sex. Your teenager's caregiver needs to know if your teenager is pregnant. Ask the caregiver for more information about the type of STD your teenager has, such as Chlamydia or gonorrhea.

How can my child be protected from having a sexually transmitted disease?

Your teenager who is sexually active will need to know about safe sex practices. Ask your teenager's caregiver for more information about safe sex practices, which include:

Abstinence: The best way to avoid getting an STD is to not have sex with other people. Oral sex and anal sex are not safe substitutes for not having vaginal intercourse.
Avoiding infected partners: Your teenager should not have sex with anyone who has an STD. This includes having oral or anal sex.
Condoms: A latex condom should always be used correctly when having sex. It should be used no matter what other birth control method is used. A polyurethane condom may be used if your teenager is allergic to latex. Ask your teenager's caregiver for more information about condom use.
Limit sexual partners: If your teenager is sexually active, having just one sexual partner who has sex only with him will decrease his risk.
No sex during treatment: Your teenager must not to have sex while he or his sex partner is being treated for an STD. The untreated partner can be infected or reinfected if this happens.
Screening tests: Getting tested for STDs on a regular basis is important if your teenager is sexually active. He may have an STD and not know it. If your teenager is pregnant, she will be screened for STDs to prevent passing them on to her unborn baby. Your teenager should have any of the following screening tests if advised by caregivers:
- Chlamydia and gonorrhea screening: All sexually active women under 25 years of age should be screened every year. Repeat screening may be done at once if she has had high-risk exposures or symptoms appear. Screening is done by getting samples to culture the germs causing these infections. Samples are taken from the urethra in boys, and from the inner part of the cervix in girls. Urine samples may also be used.
- HIV and syphilis screening: Blood tests may be done every year to screen people who are at a high risk of having these infections. People at high risk include those who have had STDs, multiple or high-risk sexual partners, or use IV drugs. Those who live in areas where HIV and syphilis are common may also be screened.
- Pap test: This is a test to look for changes in the cervix that can lead to cancer. A girl should have this test done within three months after her first sexual contact, but no later than 21 years of age. This test should be followed by yearly visits to your teenager's caregiver for preventive health care.
Vaccines: A vaccine is a medicine that helps the body's immune system to fight a disease. Being vaccinated can keep your teenager from getting certain STDs, including:
- Hepatitis B: Recommended for all sexually active people, as this is a common STD.
- Human papilloma virus: Young women should consider being vaccinated against the human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV causes genital warts and may lead to cervical and other cancers.

Where can I find more information?

Accepting that your teenaged child is sexually active and has an STD may be hard. Your child and those close to him may feel angry, sad, guilty, rejected, or frightened. These feelings are normal. Let your child talk to his partner, caregivers, your family, or his friends about his feelings. Contact the following for more information:

American Academy of Family Physicians
11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway
Leawood , KS 66211-2680
Phone: 1- 913 - 906-6000
Phone: 1- 800 - 274-2237
Web Address: http://www.aafp.org

CDC National Prevention Information Network
PO Box 6003
Rockville , MD 20849-6003
Phone: 1- 800 - 4585231
Web Address: http://www.cdcnpin.org

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

The National Women's Health Information Center
8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive
Fairfax , VA 22031
Phone: 1- 800 - 994-9662
Web Address: http://www.womenshealth.gov

Care Agreement

Your teenaged child has the right to plan his care with confidentiality. This means that he may get the care he needs without the need for his caregiver to let you know. This right of your child holds strong unless the life of your child or others may be in danger, or in a case of abuse. When this happens, your help will be needed to plan your child' care. You and your child must learn about his health condition and how it may be treated. You and your child may then discuss treatment options with caregivers. Work with them to decide what care is best for your child. Your child has the right to refuse certain procedures or treatment.

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.