One in four sexually active adolescent females have an STD, such as chlamydia or HPV. Young MSM often face the greatest percent increases in HIV infections when compared to all groups. This high rate of STDs among young people is reflective of the multiple barriers they face when attempting to access care. An inability to pay, lack of transportation, conflicts with schooling, and embarrassment are among the variety of reasons that adolescents often avoid seeking the care they need.
Resources
Developing a referral system for Sexual Health Services – NCSD, CAI, CDC
Youth Referral Kit for Sexual Health Services – NCSD, CAI, CDC
Adolescent sexual health overview resource page – Guttmacher Institute
Adolescent sexual health overview and challenges – Guttmacher Institute
Substance use and sexual risk behaviors among teens factsheets – CDC
Substance use and sexual risk behaviors among teens DASH factsheet – CDC
HIV and STD prevention in schools – CDC
Overview of Adolescent Sexual Health – CDC
Adolescent outreach resource page for health care providers starter guides – University of Michigan
