Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) represent a significant public health issue in the United States. Adolescents and young adults account for approximately half of all new STI cases diagnosed annually. Many young people may not receive regular screening, which contributes to the high prevalence. Awareness of the most frequently reported infections and their potential consequences promotes better sexual health outcomes for teens.
The Most Common Reported Infection Among Teens
The most frequently reported bacterial sexually transmitted infection among adolescents and young adults is Chlamydia, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Over 66% of all reported Chlamydia infections occur in young people aged 15–24 years. This high incidence rate makes Chlamydia the most common reported STI among teens. Public health organizations recommend routine annual screening for all sexually active women under the age of 25. While Chlamydia is the most common reported bacterial infection, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is considered the most common overall viral STI in this age group.
Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis
Chlamydia is often referred to as a “silent infection” because the majority of people who contract it experience no noticeable symptoms. Up to 70% of women and 50% of men may be asymptomatic, meaning they can unknowingly transmit the infection. When symptoms occur, they typically appear one to three weeks after exposure and can be mild or mistaken for a urinary tract infection.
In females, symptoms might include an abnormal vaginal discharge, pain or burning during urination (dysuria), bleeding between periods, or painful sexual intercourse. For males, the infection commonly presents as nongonococcal urethritis, with signs such as a clear or mucus-like discharge from the penis and a burning sensation when urinating. Diagnosis is achieved through a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), which detects the organism’s genetic material using a simple urine sample or a swab from the affected area.
Immediate Treatment and Long-Term Consequences
Chlamydia is a curable infection treated with a course of antibiotics, often a single dose or a seven-day regimen. The medication must be taken exactly as prescribed to ensure the infection is completely eliminated. To prevent reinfection, all sexual partners from the previous two months must also be tested and treated. Patients must abstain from sexual activity until they and their partners have completed the full treatment course and any symptoms have resolved.
If the infection is left untreated, it can lead to serious long-term health problems. In females, untreated Chlamydia can ascend into the upper reproductive tract, causing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). PID can result in chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and tubal factor infertility due to scarring of the fallopian tubes. Males can develop epididymitis, a painful inflammation of the coiled tube at the back of the testicle, which can contribute to infertility.
Effective Prevention and Risk Reduction Strategies
The most direct method to prevent the spread of Chlamydia and other STIs is abstinence. For sexually active teens, consistent and correct use of barrier methods, specifically male latex condoms, significantly reduces the risk of transmission. Condoms act as a physical barrier against the exchange of bodily fluids that carry the bacterium.
Open and honest communication with partners about sexual history and testing status is a proactive step in risk reduction. Given the high rate of asymptomatic infection, routine screening is a valuable strategy. Annual testing for Chlamydia is recommended for all sexually active women under 25, and teens should discuss their sexual activity with a healthcare provider to determine their appropriate testing schedule.