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50% of African American Girls Have an STD
http://www.gbmnews.com/articles/3036/1/50-of-African-American-Girls-Have-an-STD/Page1.html
Justin Smith
Justin B Smith, 28, is a U.S. Air Force Veteran. He grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland but presently resides in Baltimore.

Justin is a Gay Activist. Since 1999 he has worked with various gay organizations including the National Black Justice Coalition, Human Rights Campaign, Equality Maryland, Us Helping Us, and People Into Living Incorporated.

Justin is currently enrolled in school pursuing his degree in Communication and Journalism. 
By Justin Smith
Published on 03/25/2008
 
In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers have determined that one out of every four teenage girls has a STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease). The study also found that when broken down by race, African-American girls have much higher rates of infection, with nearly half testing positive for at least one STD.

This is compared to 20 percent among both whites and Mexican-American girls.

Forty percent of the girls in the study acknowledged having sex, but many define that as intercourse only. Other types of intimate behavior can lead to infections as well, and Dr. John Douglas, director of the CDC's division of STD prevention, believes that many girls aren't being screened because they don't believe they are at risk.

"High STD rates among young women, particularly African-American young women, are clear signs that we must continue developing ways to reach those most at risk," he said.

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50% of African American Girls Have an STD
In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers have determined that one out of every four teenage girls has a STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease). The study also found that when broken down by race, African-American girls have much higher rates of infection, with nearly half testing positive for at least one STD. This is compared to 20 percent among both whites and Mexican-American girls.

40 percent of the girls in the study acknowledged having sex, but many define that as intercourse only. Other types of intimate behavior can lead to infections as well, and Dr. John Douglas, director of the CDC's division of STD prevention, believes that many girls aren't being screened because they don't believe they are at risk.

"High STD rates among young women, particularly African-American young women, are clear signs that we must continue developing ways to reach those most at risk," he said.

This number was based on an analysis of a 2003-2004 government health study involving a nationally representative sample of 838 teen girls. They were tested for four different infections: human papillomavirus (HPV), chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and herpes simplex virus.

HPV was found to be the most common sexually transmitted infection with 18 percent of girls aged 14 to 19 testing positive. HPV is known to cause cervical cancer and other than genital warts, often has no symptoms. A vaccine targeting several HPV strains was recently made available, but experts say that it hasn't yet had an impact on the infection rates in girls. The CDC recommends that girls aged 11-12 years receive a three-dose HPV vaccine and those aged 13-26 receive catch-up shots.

The numbers for the other infections were quite a bit lower: 4 percent tested positive for chlamydia, 2.5 percent for trichomoniasis, and 2 percent for herpes simplex virus. Chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics and the CDC recommends annual screening for all sexually active women under the age of 25. Trichomoniasis can also be be treated with antibiotics, but there is no cure for herpes.

Come on ladies and gentlemen lets strap it up