Teenagers and STDs Ten percent of Americans are teenagers and less than half of them have had sexual intercourse. But the teens and young adults who have had sex get 50 percent of newly diagnosed STDs each year. 36 Your son or daughter needs to know about STDs. You don’t need to be an expert on STDs. But this part of the web site tells you about the most common STDs. It will help you answer your son or daughter’s questions. This Web site has some basic information. If you have more questions or concerns, please contact your health care provider. To learn more, visit Common STDs. STDs are spread three ways: - Sex: This includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Some STDs can also be spread when skin touches skin during sex, or touching of sexual organs.
- Blood contact: Some STDs can be spread through infected blood. Used needles can have infected blood on them and can spread some STDs.
- Pregnancy: A pregnant female can give some STDs to her unborn baby. A mother can give some STDs to her baby when breastfeeding.
You will find tips for how to talk to your pre-teen or teen at Talking Tips. Last revised: May 28, 2008 | 
