TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Sexually Transmitted Infections A1 - Smith, Christiana A1 - Reirden, Daniel H. A1 - Nyquist, Ann-Christine A2 - Bunik, Maya A2 - Hay, William W. A2 - Levin, Myron J. A2 - Abzug, Mark J. PY - 2022 T2 - Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Pediatrics, 26e AB - The rate of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) acquired during adolescence remains high despite widespread educational programs and increased access to health care. By senior year in high school, up to half of youth will have had sexual intercourse. The highest age-specific rates for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection occur in adolescents and young adults (15–24 years of age). While this age group accounts for only 25% of the sexually active population, it accounts for almost half of the incident STIs. Adolescents contract STIs at a higher rate than adults because of sexual risk taking, age-related biologic factors (eg, cervical ectopy, maturing immune system), and barriers to health care access. In every state and the District of Columbia, adolescents can provide consent for the diagnosis and treatment of STIs without parental consent; 18 states allow, but do not require, disclosure to a parent. In many states, adolescents can also provide consent for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) counseling and testing. Since individual state laws vary, health care providers should be knowledgeable about the legal definitions regarding age of consent and confidentiality requirements in their state. SN - PB - McGraw-Hill Education CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/03/29 UR - accesspediatrics.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1190373047 ER -