For every girl diagnosed with an STD, there has to be a boy with it (STDs are, after all, sexually transmitted). The main reason the Centers for Disease Control studied girls is because girls get checked. The usual reason they get checked, particularly if they are symptom-free, is to obtain contraception. Many girls for whom cost is a factor go to Planned Parenthood for information and contraception. Before getting a contraception prescription, they are screened for STDs and receive a Pap smear. The human papilloma virus is the most common STD found, and for teens who don't already have the virus, a vaccine is available.

I don't know what percentage of teens go to the county health department for screening, inoculation and contraception, but I bet it's a whole lot less than those who go to Planned Parenthood of Utah.

William R. Adams, M.D.

Murray