STD rates rise in teenage girls in the US

A recent study conducted by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has indicated that one in four teenage girls in the US has an STD (sexually Transmitted Disease). The study, which analysed data from 838 girls between the ages of 14 and 19, also found a higher percentage of STD rates in black girls.

The research found that nearly 50% of the African-American girls studied had at least one sexually transmitted disease, while white and Mexican-American girls with STD’s was around 20%.

Human Papilloma Virus (which causes cervical cancer) was the most common STD, followed by Chlamydia, trichomoniasis and herpes. The CDC has stated that the study is the first of its kind, examining the prevalence of STD’s amongst teenage girls.

A spokesperson from the CDC, Devin Fenton said that the issue was serious and that: “Screening, vaccination and other prevention strategies for sexually active women are among our highest public health priorities”.

The CNC also recommended that there should be an annual Chlamydia screening test for sexually active women under the age of 25, and Human Papilloma Virus vaccines for girls aged 11 and 12.