But in any form—1 in 4, 25%, or 3.2 million out of 12.8 million—the study’s conclusion is daunting. Sara Forhan, a CDC researcher, states, “What we found is alarming.” [WebMD]

The study was based on data from 2003 and 2004 and with 838 young female subjects from around the United States. Teenage females were tested for four infections: human papillomavirus (HPV), Chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and herpes simplex virus.

The researchers found that almost one in five--specifically, 18%--of girls between 14 and 19 years of age are infected with human papillomavirus (HPV), one type of sexually transmitted disease (STD).

In addition, Chlamydia infected 4% of the girls, trichomoniasis infected 2.5% of them, and herpes simplex virus infected 2% of the girls.

Even though four STDs were tested, over one hundred (100) different types of HPVs are known to exist.

They all infect the skin and mucous membranes of humans and other animals. Some STD types cause genital warts, while other types do not produce any noticeable physical signs of infection.

Many STDs can lead to infertility.

They can also lead to pre-cancerous lesions and can eventually cause cancer, especially cervical cancer.

The CDC report also stated that nearly 50% of all adolescent African-American girls are infected with a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

The CDC researchers state that this percentage is higher than the overall U.S. average for the group of girls that are 14-to-19 years of age because African-Americans generally have fewer ways to get tested for STDs and, thus, less chance of having the sexually transmitted disease (STD) treated.

John Douglas, Jr., the CDC director of the Division of STD Prevention, states, "This [greater percentage] does not mean that African-Americans are taking greater risks individually."

The CDC scientists involved with the study recommend that all sexually active girls and women twenty-five years of age and younger have regular Chlamydia screening at least once each year.

In addition, all women who are pregnant should have the test so that the disease is not passed onto the baby at birth, when the baby comes into contact with the infected mother's genital area.

Chlamydia is a very common type of sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, which causes infections within the eyes and genitals.

All types of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are serious to the health of the infected person. Please learn more about Chlamydia, a very common form of STD, by reading the next page.