Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Adolescents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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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.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Have your adolescent return to the emergency department 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 they 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.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Medicines:

Your adolescent may need any of the following:

• Antibiotics help fight a bacterial infection. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) means your adolescent takes antibiotics within 72 hours of possible exposure. Your adolescent may get a prescription so antibiotics will be available before they are needed.
• Antivirals may be given for a viral infection.
• Antifungals help treat a fungal infection, such as a yeast infection.
• Give your child's medicine as directed. Contact your child's healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell the provider 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.

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.

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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.

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