Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Adolescents and Young Adults

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 make up just over one quarter of the sexually active population, but account for half of the 20 million new sexually transmitted infections that occur in the United States each year. The resources on this page provide information about the impact of STDs on youth as well as resources for reaching this population.

Recently Added

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)

In the News

Study shows HPV vaccine helps lower HPV rates in teen girls - Press release from the June 2013 The Journal of Infectious Diseases article. (June 19, 2013)

How sexually active young people can stay safe - Editorial on CNN.com by Dr. Gail Bolan, director of CDC's Division of STD Prevention (April 26, 2013)

Webinars, Podcasts and Videos

Talking to Adolescents and Young Adults About Sexually Transmitted Infections - In this podcast Catherine Satterwhite of CDC's Division of STD Prevention discusses STD testing recommendations for youth as well as how STDs impact this group. (April 22, 2013)

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

Taking An Adolescent's Sexual History - Dr. Gail Bolan, director of CDC's Division of STD Prevention, provides physicians with advice on taking a sexual history. (June 13, 2011)

A Guide to Taking a Sexual History - Brochure offers health care providers guidance on discussing sexual health issues with their patients.

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

STIs Among Young Americans

This infographic shows the impact, causes, and consequences of STDs among young people.

View full infographic »

STD Trends in the United States - 2011 A summary of 2011 data on chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis published in CDC’s Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance Report. (March 2013)

STDs in Adolescents and Young Adults - An overview of statistics and data collection methods based on the 2011 STD Surveillance Report. (December 13, 2012)

2010 STD Treatment Guidelines - Recommendations for Adolescents - STD screening and treatment information for youth and young adults. (March 4, 2011)