FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 3, 2009

Media Contact: ASHA Media Relations
P.O. Box 13827
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Fred Wyand
(919) 361 - 3124 (voice)
(919) 361 - 8425 (fax)
mediarelations@ashastd.org

CDC Report: Young People At Risk for STDs and Unintended Pregnancy

RTP, NC –  Young people commonly engage in risky sexual behaviors (sex at a young age and/or unprotected sex) and increasingly are at risk for STDs and pregnancy, according to a report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The report, Sexual and Reproductive Health of Persons Aged 10--24 Years --- United States, 2002—2007, analyzes sexual health and behavior data from a number of surveillance systems. The latest findings indicate:

• A majority of 18 and 19 year olds (70.6% of females; 64.7% of males) report having had sex.
• Approximately 30% of males and females ages 15-17 say they have had sex.
• Roughly 30% of 15-19 years olds report having multiple partners.

More than two-thirds of adolescents say they’ve received guidance in using contraceptives, and nearly 70% of male and females ages 15-19 used condoms at first intercourse.

Still, sexually transmitted Infections (STIs) are increasing among young people, and the authors say the numbers may reflect the advent of better screening programs. Regardless, the news isn’t encouraging: In 2006, nearly 22,000 youth were living with HIV, and approximately 1 million had a reportable sexually transmitted infection (chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis).

Among adolescents and young adults, communities of color bear a disproportionate burden of STIs (the South has the highest STI rates of any region) and teen pregnancy. Lynn Barclay, ASHA’s President and CEO, says the racial and geographic inequities are driven largely by poverty, lack of access to health care, distrust of the health care system, and numerous other social factors. “We know there are economic barriers to STI care and prevention, but we should also be aware of the role discrimination and stigma play in driving this epidemic,” she says, emphasizing a “whole person” approach to sexual health is needed.

“Young people too often need support that includes medical care, stable housing, and simply being treated with dignity. It’s important to look beyond the disease, or the teen-age mother, to go deeper than facts and figures, so that we’re able to see real, live human beings.”

The American Social Health Association is a trusted, non-profit organization that has advocated on behalf of patients to help improve public health outcomes since 1914. We are America's authority for sexually transmitted infection information. ASHA is recognized by the public, patients, providers and policy makers for developing and delivering accurate, medically reliable information about STIs. Public and college health clinics across the United States order ASHA's educational pamphlets and books to give to clients and students. Community-based organizations depend on ASHA, too, to help communicate about risk, transmission, prevention, testing and treatment.

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Sexual and Reproductive Health of Persons Aged 10-24 Years United States, 2002—2007. July 17, 2009 / Vol. 58 / No. SS–6.

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