Sexually active teen facts. Discuss ways to handle pressure from others to have sex.
Sexually active teen facts. 4%) of all new STDs are found among youth, aged 15-24, although they only represent 1/4 of the sexually experienced population. 17 Over half (55. 8 million adults are infected with Chlamydia each year, which is about 5% of Americans. Decisions about their sexual activity, including decisions to remain abstinent or to use condoms and contraceptives if sexually active, shape adolescent experiences in relationships as well as their exposure to and risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy. A sexually active teen who does not use contraception has a 90% chance of becoming pregnant within one year. On 1/16 Adolescents also begin to form deeper emotional bonds, explore romantic and sexual expression, and may become sexually active. In one study of 273 sexually active California teens, those studied reported both positive and negative consequences of their sexual activity. According to the U. 2 days ago · Teenagers should learn the facts about human reproduction, contraception, and sexually transmitted diseases. You can reduce your risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) with certain precautions and safe behaviors. Protecting your teen from STIs The best way to prevent your teen from contracting an STI is to advise them to not have any type of sexual contact with another person. The vaccine is also recommended for adults up to age 26. 50% Adolescents ages 15-24 account for nearly half of the 26 million new cases of STDs each year ** 2 in 5 sexually active teen girls have had an STD that can cause infertility and even death *** Jun 14, 2010 · The thought of teenagers having sex fills many parents with fears of delinquency and doom, but these study results may ease your concerns. 18 sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young people. The working definition of sexuality is: “…a central aspect of being human throughout life encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy and reproduction Oct 16, 2024 · Sexuality describes sexual feelings, behaviors, and thoughts that we have towards ourselves and others. Adults up to and including age 26. org (sex education videos for youth about puberty, reproduction, relationships, sex, and sexuality) Nemours TeensHealth: Sexual Health (facts for teens about puberty, birth control, and STIs) The majority of sexually experienced teens (78 percent of females and 85 percent of males) used birth control the first time they had sex (Guttmacher Institute, 2014). Aug 21, 2019 · Teens who are sexually active and don't use contraceptives have a 90% chance of becoming pregnant within a year. Oct 17, 2024 · Condoms and Contraceptives Among sexually active high school students, condom use at most recent sexual intercourse has declined from the recent high of 63% in 2003 to 52% in 2023 [2]. Sexually transmitted infection (STI) incidence is on the rise in the United States. ] Non-Hispanic whites have the lowest rate (38 per 1,000 women aged 15–10) (Guttmacher Institute, 2014). Data on condom use are of particular interest because Aug 20, 2020 · Abstract Preventing unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, among adolescents is a public health priority. National data on these indicators can assist the public health and education sectors in planning and implementing effective programming to promote sexual health. have declined by 63% since 1991, partly due to better sex education Sep 1, 2023 · STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases, are infections that are primarily spread through sexual contact. This may pose a barrier to populations with limited access to certain sexual wellness resources (i. The nation has witnessed remarkable progress in reducing teen birth rates,… Jun 2, 2025 · Only 38% of teens in the U. Dr. Despite making up only a quarter of the population, adolescents account for approximately Sexually transmitted infection (STI) incidence is on the rise in the United States. 1/3 of teen moms graduate high school. Nov 22, 2024 · Sexual Risk Behaviors At a glance Risky sexual behaviors can lead to HIV infection, sexually transmitted infections, and unintended pregnancy among youth. 8/10 girls and 6/10 boys say they wish they would Dec 14, 2023 · The percentage of sexually active boys has dropped since 2015 when 44% said they'd had sex, researchers said. This report presents prevalence estimates for condom and contraceptive use among sexually active U. Despite making up only a quarter of the population, adolescents account for approximately Dec 14, 2023 · Public health report about national estimates of sexual activity and contraceptive use among males and females ages 15–19 in the United States. Print. The students, 56% of whom were girls, all reported having had vaginal and/or Sep 1, 2023 · What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infectious diseases spread through sexual contact. The percentage of teenagers who have ever had sexual intercourse declined between 1988 and 2017 (5), paralleling the declines in the teen birth and pregnancy rates. ” 1. The goal is to vaccinate children before they become sexually active and risk exposure. 1 To address this challenge, teens must be able to obtain confidential and affordable reproductive-health services. Teen Pregnancy: A Preventable Epidemic Our nation is facing an adolescent reproductive-health crisis, with one in four teenage girls having a sexually transmitted infection, and one in three becoming pregnant before the age of 20. Teen Pregnancy in the U. A. These data reinforce existing recommendations for sexual health education and sexually transmitted infection prevention targeting adolescents before sexual debut. 37. Sexual and reproductive health is a crucial part of adolescents’ health and well-being overall and can help set the stage for healthy decisions and relationships in adulthood. Most very young teens have not had intercourse: 8 in 10 girls and 7 in 10 boys are sexually inexperienced at A sexually active teen using NO birth control for one year has a 90% chance of getting pregnant. This page provides an in-depth exploration of various aspects related to puberty and adolescent sexual behavior. 1% of sexually active youth age 15-24 reported having sex with more than one partner in the past 12 months. Think your teen might be sexually active but haven’t talked about it? Start the conversation. CONTRACEPTIVE USE A sexually active teen who does not use contraceptives has a 90% chance of becoming pregnant within a year. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be transmitted during first intercourse, and about 25% of sexually active teenagers (three million) get an STD each year. These diseases affect both men and women and are caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or other microorganisms. has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the world. Learn about the health benefits of masturbation. As a parent, you can teach your child about safer sex before they become sexually active. High school females and males reported similar rates of ever having sex (31% and 32%, respectively), and 22 percent of females and 20 percent of males in 2023 said they were currently sexually active. Even if you don't think your teen is ready, be open yet honest in your approach. 2025 Teen pregnancy remains a significant public health concern in the United States, though the landscape has dramatically shifted over the past three decades. 4%). "Sexual Risk Behavior: HIV, STD, & Teen Pregnancy Prevention. Nevada has the highest teen pregnancy rate, with 113 out of every 1,000. e. Remind your teen that you expect sex and its responsibilities to be taken seriously. ^ [American Civil Liberties Union. May 22, 2024 · It's never easy for parents to talk to their teens about sex, so many are understandably hesitant to do so. All forms of sexual contact carry some risk. Sexually active adolescents and young adults (ages 15–24) are at higher risk of acquiring STIs than adults for reasons that include behavior, physiology, and factors related to healthcare access and services (9). Mar 2, 2020 · Dr Ollis says a head-in-the-sand approach to the reality young people are sexually active can have negative consequences, such as the high rates of teenage pregnancy seen in the US. Dec 20, 2022 · If you’re a teen who’s thinking about becoming sexually active, it’s time to consider which birth control option may be best for you. "Preventing Teenagers from Getting Contraceptives Unless They Tell a Parent Puts Teens at Risk. 6%) were more likely to have multiple partners than females (31. Did you know that about half of sexually active teens and young adults will get an STI before their 25th birthday – and many of them will have no idea? Abstaining from sex is the only 100% way of protecting yourself from getting an STI – or giving one to Pregnancy can occur the first time a person has sexual intercourse, and, without the use of contraception, 90% of sexually active teenagers will become pregnant within a year. This is because some STDs, like herpes and HPV, are spread by skin-to-skin contact. Young people are at greatest risk for STDs because, as a group, they are more likely to have unprotected sex and more than one sex partner. Interestingly, in all major surveys of school Mar 13, 2025 · Adolescent Sexual Health Overview Adolescence is a time of major transition physically, emotionally, and socially. About 50 out of 100 new STIs happen in people ages 15 to 24. A sexually active teen that doesn't use protection has a 90% chance of getting pregnant every year. Now consider this: 3 in 10 girls in the U. But there's some scientific reasons gingers might have wild, satisfying sex lives. Find out how to protect yourself. Moore and A. Talk to your parents and provider about what method is right for you. These are advised by experts to help reduce your teen's risk of getting an STI. 2 Although steadily declining, the US teen birth rate is higher than in other high-income countries. Like adults, many teenagers lack aware-ness of STDs. Preventing Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Diseases If you decide to have sex, it’s important to know about birth control, or contraception, so you can protect against unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Girls' sexual activity was more consistent over time, though the overall numbers If you’re considering sexual activity or have been sexually active in the past, being on birth control is the smart decision. Contraceptive use among sexually active teens has increased but remains inconsistent. " It’s normal to masturbate (touch yourself for sexual pleasure) whether you’re sexually active or not. The percentage of male teenagers who have ever had sexual intercourse continues to decline through the most recent time points (2011–2015 and 2015–2017). CDC Stacks Mar 24, 2017 · Here are some starter questions if your teen is potentially sexually active: “Have you asked what your partner wants sexually?” “How do your partner’s desires line up with your own?” Apr 1, 2010 · Facts About Sexual and Reproductive Health United States teen pregnancy, birth, abortion, and sexually transmitted disease rates are higher than those in most other developed countries, and rising. " What should I tell my teen about STIs? It can be hard for teens to sort fact from fiction when it comes to sexual education and reproductive health. The SRA message is important to all teens regardless of orientation or sexual experience. You've probably heard lots of discouraging news about sexually transmitted diseases. Young people have disproportionately high rates of STDs. The good news is that STDs can be prevented. If your teen has shared openly with you about being sexually active, remember that that’s a good sign – your child feels comfortable enough to share that with you and is looking for your support and guidance. A sexually active teen who doesn’t use contraceptives has a 90% chance of becoming pregnant within a year. high school students from the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. 2. Jun 21, 2024 · Each year, about 20 million new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) happen in the United States, and half of these cases are among young people aged 15-24. Nov 16, 2018 · 6 in 10 sexually active high school teens reported using condoms during their most recent sexual intercourse. Oct 19, 2021 · Further, about one half of sexually active 18- and 19-year-olds wish they had waited longer before becoming sexually active. A substantial proportion of adolescents are sexually active and have multiple partners. The only safe sex is no sex, according to most doctors. The majority of sexually experienced teens (74% of females and 82% of males) used contraceptives the first time they had sex. You don’t even have to “go all the way” (have anal or vaginal sex) to get an STD. Are you a teenager looking for tips, advice, and information on sex, relationships, your body, and more? You’ve come to the right place. S. The Guttmacher Institute tracks legislation that affects adolescents’ lives and produces research and policy analyses that emphasize the need to equip young people with the tools to have Nov 14, 2013 · Seventy-eight percent of adults also think that sexually active teenagers should have access to contraception to prevent teen pregnancy. Mar 17, 2025 · Talk with your teen about how to prevent STIs (sexually transmitted infections) — even if you don't think your teen is sexually active. Some STIs, such as herpes and HPV, are spread also called sexually Did You Know? getting an STI is to not have sex. Jun 11, 2024 · What to know Teens need comprehensive sexual and reproductive health counseling about delaying sexual activity. Sep 27, 2024 · Remind your teen that they can choose abstain from sex even if they’ve had sex before. Around 750,000 teens get pregnant every year, 3. Non-Hispanic whites have the lowest rate (38 per 1,000 women aged 15–10) (Guttmacher Institute, 2014). Mar 15, 2020 · Red heads are known for being sexy and stubborn. CDC Fact Sheet: Information for Teens and Young Adults: Staying Healthy and Preventing STDs What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)? However, screening of sexually active young males should be considered in clinical settings serving populations of young men with a high prevalence of chlamydial infections (e. Talking to your teen about safe sex Nov 9, 2023 · Children between ages 11 & 12. Abstinence may be the only true form of "safe" sex. g. 1 4 Apr 7, 2025 · Know the Facts What to know False assumptions about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – how they're spread, prevented, and treated – are everywhere, and it can be especially hard for people to get the facts. 6. , Social Scientist and Lead Author on “ Sexual Activity and Contraceptive Use Among Teenagers in the United States: 2011-2015 ” Q: Is the bottom line here in this study that teens are less sexually active than in the past? JA: Yes. While most adolescents at this stage of Three in four mothers who believed that their teen was not sexually active would like to know when their child becomes sexually active. get pregnant at least once by age 20 1 in 4 sexually active teens will get an sexually transmitted disease every year A sexually active teen that does not use contraceptives has a 90% chance of becoming pregnant within a year. The 2015 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines from the CDC provides specific STI testing recommendations, 12 and suggests that nucleic acid amplification testing is sufficient in most cases. But if they are or will Sep 20, 2001 · Teen Pregnancy, Contraception, Abortion Facts The United States has the highest teen pregnancy rate of all developed countries. About 10 percent of sexually active teen females are infected with Chlamydia. 20% of teen pregnancies occur within one month of becoming sexually active. Aug 28, 2025 · Young people deserve access to the full spectrum of sexual and reproductive health care, including abortion, contraception and gender-affirming care, yet they often face unique challenges when seeking care. " Jul 9, 2025 · Responding to behavior If your teen is sexually active, it may be more important than ever to keep the conversation going. Sexually active youth have the high-est STD rates of any age group in the country. Mar 10, 2015 · A sexually active teen who does not use contraceptives has a 90% chance of becoming pregnant within a year. , adolescent service clinics, correctional facilities, and STD clinics). 4. Find answers to early adolescent sexuality here. Of the over 60 million people who have been infected with HIV in the past 20 years, about half became infected between the ages of 15 and 24. The likelihood of using contraception increases by at least 25% the longer a teen delays sex. Jan 1, 1998 · The decision to engage in sexual activity or behavior as a teen or young adult can be a confusing one. Over 2. STIs are also called STDs (sexually transmitted diseases). Young people want to talk about love and emotions, how to deal with real-life situations, how to get to know someone, and even how to break up. Sexuality plays a large role in our lives. Protecting your teen from STIs The best way to prevent your teen from contracting an STI is to advise them to not have any type of sexual contact with Feb 6, 2007 · They studied a diverse group of 273 sexually active students at two California public schools between 2002 and 2004. And for those who choose to be sexually active, they need education about contraceptive methods and condoms for sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention. One study of teen males who have sex with women identified a decline in condom use specifically among males with additional STI risk factors [13]. Reassure your teen that not everyone is having sex, and that it’s okay to be a virgin. Unprotected sex can also lead to other others, like the risk of getting an STD if Jan 16, 2024 · Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are very common. Behaviors examined included any condom use Jul 20, 2020 · Support and encourage the consistent and correct use of barrier methods, as well as other reliable contraception, as part of anticipatory guidance during visits with adolescents who are sexually active or contemplating sexual activity. Discuss ways to handle pressure from others to have sex. Jun 22, 2017 · Questions for Joyce Abma, Ph. Driscoll, The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, Washington, DC, 1997. Young people may present to general physicians with systemic symptoms of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as arthritis, hepatitis or rash, but may 2 days ago · What are young adolescents going through as far as sex is concerned? Is your teen or pre-teen sexually active. It is also more than 30 times as common as syphilis. The What Works in Schools program can reduce these risk behaviors and experiences and improve student health. Goals of teen pregnancy prevention Decrease pregnancies among sexually active female teens Delay initiation of teen sexual activity Increase use of effective contraceptive methods, including LARC Sexually Transmitted Infections in Teens What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infectious diseases spread through sexual contact. But if they are or will May 6, 2020 · The percentage of teenagers who have ever had sexual intercourse declined between 1988 and 2017 (5), paralleling the declines in the teen birth and pregnancy rates. Sexual activity includes vaginal (penetration of the vagina by the penis or other object), oral, or anal. By age 25, one-half of all sexually active young people get an STD. ^ [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Jun 12, 2025 · Among sexually active high school students, at last sexual activity: 52 percent used a condom. Research with young people repeatedly finds they want more guidance on sexuality in the context of relationships, rather than a sole focus on reproductive biology and sexually transmissible infections. Further details and priority actions for health departments and healthcare providers are available from the Dear Colleague Letter. 3 Additionally, rates vary among different racial, ethnic, geographic, and socioeconomic groups. Making sure that you have the correct information about STI prevention and testing has never been more important. 5 In 2021, 10% of currently sexually active high school students used dual methods of protection the last time they had sex with an opposite-sex partner. Those who have first sexual intercourse before 15 have higher rates of mental illness. The increase is especially pronounced in adolescents (15–24 years of age). , lubrication). Healthy sexuality is an important part of adolescent development, and primary health care providers play a key role in helping young people develop healthy routines, behaviors, and relationships that they can carry into their adult lives. 5. Yet, talking about sex, sexuality, and But if they are or will be sexually active, there are many safety measures to follow. The percentage of sexually active females (approximately 55%) were similar regardless of sexual orientation. The U. What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infectious diseases spread through sexual contact. Oct 6, 2011 · The best way to help your teen avoid pregnancy is to talk with them about birth control, help them get birth control from a doctor or nurse (and condoms from a drugstore), and help them get the facts when it comes to their questions about birth control. The decision to be sexually active is too important to be based on what other people think or do. have received formal sex education before they become sexually active Teen pregnancy rates in the U. Sexual behaviors changed with successive birth cohorts, with more pronounced changes among females. In Georgia, adolescents ages 15-24 were approximately 55% of all STD Jun 22, 2017 · Sex education in middle schools and high schools, and access to services for sexually active teens, are critical to helping teens stay healthy and reach their life goals,” said Dr. Sexual behavior can include sexting, taking sexually explicit photos of yourself, using online chat rooms for sexual conversations, social media abuse, masturbation, and viewing pornography. Males (42. It includes an explanation of the physiological and psychological changes during … Jan 13, 2025 · This mom wants her sexually active teen daughter to be safe, but worries that taking her teen to the doctor will send the wrong message. But even if teens are not yet sexually active, it's important for them to have accurate information about sexually transmitted infections to keep themselves safe and healthy. How common are STDs? STDs are common, especially among young people. In the late 1980s Sep 16, 2020 · Sexual behaviours, condom use, and protection against unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are important indicators of sexual and reproductive health. Power to Decide: Teen Talk (information for teens about sex, love, and relationships to help them make informed decisions) Advocates for Youth: Amaze. Three-quarters of teens use some method of contraception (usually a condom) the first time they have sex. May 14, 2020 · Columbia University investigators surveyed 130 sexually active teen girls. Teens and mothers have misperceptions regarding the average age of teens initiating sexual intercourse. However, anti-choice politicians have stymied Adolescence is a time of sexual risk-taking and experimentation but also vulnerability. 6 Oct 17, 2024 · Condoms and Contraceptives Among sexually active high school students, condom use at most recent sexual intercourse has declined from the recent high of 63% in 2003 to 52% in 2023 [2]. Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, are sometimes also called sexually transmitted diseases or STDs (but they mean the same thing). Anyone who is sexually active can get an STD. Sexually active youth should be screened at least annually for STIs and more frequently as needed based on risk behavior. D. Get the Facts What are STIs? Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections primarily caused by bacteria and viruses spread from person to person during vaginal, oral, or anal sex or other intimate contact. . This includes people who started the CONTRACEPTIVE USE A sexually active teen who does not use contraceptives has a 90% chance of becoming pregnant within a year. Chlamydia Facts: Chlamydia is more than five times as common as the spread of gonorrhea in sexually active teens and adults. Oct 9, 2025 · Sexual health cannot be defined, understood or made operational without a broad consideration of sexuality, which underlies important behaviours and outcomes related to sexual health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 25% of sexually active teenagers get a sexually transmitted disease May 15, 2024 · Evidence suggests these declines are due to more teens abstaining from sexual activity, and more sexually active teens using birth control. About 40% of sexually active teen girls (aged 14-19) have at least one STD. Bicillin L-A® On July 10, 2025, King Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Pfizer, issued a voluntary recall of specific referenced lots of Bicillin® L-A (Penicillin G Benzathine Injectable Suspension). They need counseling to select a method that best suits them and information about how to use that method correctly and Among sexually active teen females, 66% received contra-ceptive services in the last year; about one-third received this care from publicly funded clin-ics, the rest from private health care providers. ^ [Not Just for Girls: The Roles of Boys and Men in Teen Pregnancy, K. 33 percent used a form of hormonal birth control. The HPV vaccine is part of the vaccination schedule for children between 11 and 12, but children as young as 9 years old can safely receive it. Apr 4, 2019 · "It's all the more reason for constant conversations about sexual and reproductive health, responsible decision-making, and among sexually active teens, regular testing. It's estimated that 1 in 4 sexually active teenage girls have an STI, with the most common being chlamydia and human papillomavirus (HPV) (Shannon & Klausner, 2018). “Our most striking finding—parent-teen sexuality communication is a strong predictor of regular contraceptive use. Although this has changed very gradually, fewer teens have ever had sex than was the case three decades ago. Even though 15- to 24-year-olds represent only one-quarter of all sexually active people, they account for half of the new cases of STDs each year (CDC, 2013). That is, anal sex is a less common and more sexually advanced behavior and may require greater preparation compared to oral and vaginal sex [35]. Leslie Kantor, Vice President of Education at Planned Parenthood Federation of America. bjw54xo6nodublekmfduq3yfv3ej6ucr7ldc3ywd056