Adolescents and Young Adults

15 to 24 year olds account for half of all new STD infections.

While sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) affect individuals of all ages, STDs take a particularly heavy toll on young people. CDC estimates that youth ages 15-24 account for almost half of the 26 million new sexually transmitted infections that occurred in the United States in 2018. The resources on this page provide information about the impact of STDs on youth as well as resources for reaching this population.

Highlights

Confidentiality Issues and Use of Sexually Transmitted Disease Services Among Sexually Experienced Persons Aged 15–25 Years — United States, 2013–2015 – MMWR March 10, 2017

2021 STI Treatment Guidelines – Adolescents – STI screening and treatment information for youth and young adults. (July, 2021)

Talking with Your Teens about Sex: Going Beyond “the Talk” pdf icon(November 20, 2014)

Adolescents, Technology and Reducing Risk for HIV, STDs and Pregnancy – White paper provides an overview about the ways in which digital technology can be used to improve the sexual health of adolescents. (August 8, 2013)

Success Stories
Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders Today: Community Sexual Health Program Cultivates Leadership Skills in Youth
Baltimore City Health Department and CARS team up to empower young leaders to reach their peers about sexual health
STI Prevention Success Stories
Webinars, Podcasts and Videos

Let’s Talk About Sexual Health – Video for doctors and young adults on how to talk about sexual health. (November 30, 2012)

Podcast: STD Awareness: Reaching Youth – Dr. Gail Bolan, Director of CDC’s Division of STD Prevention, discusses the role healthcare providers play in educating young patients about sexual health and STD prevention. (April 16, 2012)

Reports

STI Prevalence, Incidence, and Cost Estimates: 1 in 5 people in the United States had an STI on any given day in 2018. These updated estimates provide the clearest picture to date of how common and costly STIs are in the United States. (January 25, 2021)

Fact Sheets and Brochures

Just Diagnosed? New fact sheet provides the three steps you can take if you were recently diagnosed with gonorrhea or chlamydia, including resources to help you talk to your partner. (August 3, 2017)

STD Fact Sheets – Disease-specific information about symptoms, prevention, and treatment.

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