Physicians and other health care professionals perform a critical role in preventing and treating sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the pediatric and adolescent population. STIs are a major problem for adolescents; an estimated 25% of adolescent females will acquire an STI by 19 years of age. Although an STI in an infant or child early in life can be the result of vertical transmission, nonabusive horizontal transmission, or autoinoculation (particularly herpes simplex virus [HSV] and human papillomavirus [HPV]), STIs (eg, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, genital herpes, human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infection, trichomoniasis, or anogenital warts) should raise suspicion of sexual abuse if acquired after the neonatal period. Whenever sexual abuse is suspected, appropriate social service and law enforcement agencies must be involved to evaluate the situation further, to ensure the child or adolescent’s protection, and to provide appropriate counseling. When available, consultation with a child abuse pediatrician can help guide further evaluation, aid in decision making on reporting suspected abuse, and assist with rendering an opinion on the etiology of the STI.
- STIs During Preventive Health Care of Adolescents
- Sexual Assault and Abuse in Children and Adolescents/Young Adults
Sexually Transmitted Infections |
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection
Diseases Characterized by Genital, Anal or Perianal Ulcers
Diseases Characterized by Vulvovaginal Itching, Burning, Irritation, Odor or Discharge
Viral Hepatitis
Other Disease to Consider During a Sexual Health Visit
Additional Resources |
Visual Library | Red Book Online | American Academy of Pediatrics
STI Treatment Guidelines| CDC.gov
