Tue. Dec 3rd, 2024
Teenage Sexually Transmitted Infections

Infections transmitted by sexual contact (STIs) are on the rise. Teenagers have the most noticeable increase (15–24 years of age). Even though they only make up 25% of the population, adolescents are responsible for 50% of new STI cases yearly. This review covers current advancements in the study of STIs in adolescents, excluding the human immunodeficiency virus. You must consult the best sexologist in Delhi if you find any STI symptoms.

Abbreviations for Sexually Transmitted Infections

Adolescents have a very high risk of contracting STIs from a behavioural and biological standpoint. Adolescents are more prone than adults to participate in high-risk sexual behaviours, including having several partners or having sex without using a condom. This is partly because executive function still develops in the prefrontal cortex throughout adolescence. Teenagers are also less likely than adults to use and access services for sexual health. These factors increase the likelihood of exposure and decrease the possibility of detection and treatment.

Data on STIs in teenagers are scarce despite the high frequency and significant morbidity. Adult infections and treatment are the main topics of investigation and recommendations. However, it is crucial to comprehend and prevent teenage infections fully. 

Address the STI epidemic.

Teenagers are becoming more likely to contract sexually transmitted diseases. However, infection rates differ based on sex, location, and sexual behaviour. Teenagers are the age group where CT and NG are most prevalent, according to the 2016 STD Surveillance report. While the rate of CT infection among males aged 15 to 19 years climbed by 15.3 per cent between 2014 and 2016, the rate among females increased by 4.1 per cent. Adolescents between the ages of 20 and 24 experienced similar patterns in CT infection rates. NG infection rates are also rising, albeit lower than CT infection rates.

Adolescent STI Screening

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise sexually active adolescent women to have annual CT and NG screening. Pregnant women and YMSM should get screened for syphilis. Starting at age 21, women should undergo a Pap test for screening for cervical cancer.

STI Management Adolescents 

STIs should be treated in accordance with CDC guidelines. Other than adherence counselling, there are no special guidelines for STI therapy in children. It is necessary to conduct research on the efficacy of STI treatment in adolescent populations.

The CDC advises using 1 gm of oral azithromycin to treat both urogenital and extragenital CT infections.

Avoidance of STIs

One of the World Health Organization’s top goals for 2016–2021 is STI prevention . Prevention programmes are especially crucial for teenagers because their sexual health practises are frequently still forming. Efforts to prevent STIs in adolescents should come from a variety of sources. Traditional information sources, including parents and schools, are crucial. There is evidence that teen-parent sexual interaction promotes safer sexual activity.

Upcoming directions

The most effective technique of infection prevention is pre-exposure vaccination. The HPV vaccine has significantly decreased HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 with vaccination rates for adolescent females between the ages of 14 and 19 being around 51%. However, expanding coverage through mandatory HPV vaccine programmes promises significantly reduce HPV-related malignancies and related expenses.

Conclusion

STIs are a frequent source of sickness in young people. Understanding and addressing the epidemic from a medical and public health perspective are crucial. Provider-based screening and prompt patient and partner therapy are crucial to enhance clinical care for adolescents. If you are looking for the best sexologist in Noida, then we highly recommend you to visit Gautam clinic. They will help you with your every problem.