Warning:

This document is being maintained for historical purposes, but is now out of date. To view current guidelines please visit:

• STD Treatment Guidelines   at http://www.cdc.gov/STD/treatment

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1993 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines

09/24/1993

SUGGESTED CITATION
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 1993 Sexually
transmitted diseases treatment guidelines. MMWR 1993;42(No. RR-14):
{inclusive page numbers}.

CIO Responsible for this publication:
National Center for Prevention Services,
Division of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and HIV Prevention

Adolescents
     
     Health-care providers who provide care for patients with
sexually transmitted infections should be aware of several issues
that relate specifically to adolescents. The rates of many STDs are
highest among adolescents; e.g., the rate of gonorrhea is highest
among persons 15-19 years of age. Clinic-based studies have
demonstrated that the prevalence of chlamydial infections, and
possibly of HPV infections, also is highest among adolescents.

     All adolescents in the United States can consent to the
confidential diagnosis and treatment of STDs. Medical care for
these conditions can be provided to adolescents without parental
consent or knowledge. Furthermore, in many states adolescents can
consent to HIV counseling and testing.

     The style and content of counseling and health education
should be adapted for adolescents. Discussions should be
appropriate for the patient's developmental level and should
identify risky behaviors, such as sex and drug use behaviors. Care
and counseling should be direct and nonjudgmental.

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