In a large-scale national study released today by the U.S. CDC, researchers found that one in four teens has a sexually transmitted disease (STD). The study was an analysis of nationally representative records on girls ages 14 to 19 who participated in a 2003-04 government health survey.

The teens were tested for four infections: human papillomavirus, or HPV, which can cause cervical cancer and affected 18 percent of girls studied; chlamydia, which affected 4 percent; trichomoniasis, 2.5 percent; and genital herpes, 2 percent.

Only about half of the girls in the study acknowledged having sex. Some teens define sex as only intercourse, yet other types of intimate behavior including oral sex can spread some diseases.

Among those who admitted having sex, the rate was even more disturbing — 40 percent had an STD.

What more can I add to this, other than to say, “Use condoms!”

Read the full AP story: Study Finds 1 in 4 US Teens Has a STD

Dr. John Grohol is the CEO and founder of Psych Central. He is an author, researcher and expert in mental health online, and has been writing about online behavior, mental health and psychology issues -- as well as the intersection of technology and human behavior -- since 1992. Dr. Grohol sits on the editorial board of the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking and is a founding board member and treasurer of the Society for Participatory Medicine.

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1 in 4 teens USA have std | Trully Sex Stories (3/11/2008)

1 in 4 teens USA have std | Sex news blog (3/11/2008)

    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 11 Mar 2008
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