RT Book, Section A1 Reirden, Daniel H. A1 Nyquist, Ann-Christine A2 Hay Jr., William W. A2 Levin, Myron J. A2 Abzug, Mark J. A2 Bunik, Maya SR Print(0) ID 1172115691 T1 Sexually Transmitted Infections T2 Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Pediatrics, 25e YR 2020 FD 2020 PB McGraw-Hill Education PP New York, NY SN 9781260457827 LK accesspediatrics.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1172115691 RD 2024/04/25 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, over 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, 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 for the 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.