Tips for the Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections
April 1, 2008
Overview
A recent nationally representative study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to be a major public health challenge in the United States. The study found that one in four teenage girls between the age of 14 and 19 has a least one STI.1 The study revealed:
- An estimated 3.2 million adolescent girls have an STI.1
- African-American girls are at highest risk: nearly half of study participants were infected.1
- Approximately 20 percent of white adolescent girls are infected.1
- The two most common STIs are the human papillomavirus (HPV) and chlamydia.1
In addition, the CDC estimates there are approximately 19 million new STI infections each year.2 These findings should motivate physicians and care providers to help adolescents stay healthy and avoid the consequences of STIs.
Importance of Screening
Regular screening for sexually transmitted infections is extremely important. Untreated STIs can result in health problems such as severe infections, including pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, chronic pain, and death, in the case of HIV/AIDs.3 Screening is also important because it allows for the early identification and treatment of STIs, which improves health outcomes and can prevent the transmission of infections to others.3 Early treatment of STIs is also less expensive than late-stage treatment.3 Many STIs, such as HPV and chlamydial infections in women, have no signs or symptoms until they become advanced, so early screening is essential.
Economic Toll & Employer Action
Sexually transmitted infections pose a large economic toll. STIs cost the U.S. economy an estimated $15 billion dollars annually in direct medical costs.2 In order to help reduce such costs, employers should:
- As part of a comprehensive approach to sexual health and STI prevention, encourage early identification and treatment by covering annual screening for sexually transmitted infections, such as Chlamydia, and counseling services at no cost to the beneficiary.
- Cover the cost of STI-related vaccines such as the HPV and Hepatitis A and B vaccines.
- Ensure that physicians educate patients on the risk factors for STIs. Also, ensure that they provide counseling on how to reduce risk of infection.3
Resources:
- A Purchaser's Guide to Clinical Preventive Services: Moving Science into Coverage
- Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Citations
- Forhan SE, Gottlieb SL, Sternberg MR, Xu F, Datta SD, Berman SM, Markowitz LE. Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and Bacterial Vaginosis among female adolescents in the United States: Data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2004. Abstract D4A. 2008 National STD Prevention Conference. Chicago, IL. March 10 - 13, 2008.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually transmitted disease surveillance, 2006. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, November 2007.
- Campbell KP, Lanza A, Dixon R, Chattopadhyay S, Molinari S, Finch RA, editors. A purchasers guide to clinical preventive services: moving science into coverage. Washington, DC: National Business Group on Health; 2006.
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