ABSTRACT
Many adolescents choose to engage in sexual activity, placing them at risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Both biologic and behavioral risk factors are believed to contribute to the disproportionate burden of many STIs borne by the adolescent population. Adolescents have the right to consent to testing and treatment for STIs, and their confidentiality should be ensured to the greatest extent possible. Routine screening for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV should be performed in all sexually active adolescent girls and young women; populations at elevated risk may be screened for trichomoniasis and syphilis as well. This chapter describes the appropriate diagnostic modalities and anti-infective treatments for the STIs commonly seen in North America. It also describes an approach to evaluating an adolescent female with symptoms suggestive of a possible STI, such as vaginal discharge, genital lesions, or pelvic pain. Prevention, counseling, and other management considerations are discussed as well.
