A national study of teenage girls has determined that one in four has a sexually transmitted disease. The study monitored four different STDs -- HPV, chlamydia, herpes simples type 2, and trichomoniasis. Almost 50% of African-American girls in the study and 20% of Caucasian girls were infected with at least one of the STDs. 15% had more than one STD. The most common conditions were HPV and chlamydia.

Education, prevention, and even vaccination are so important for young girls who may become sexually active. I'm not a parent to a girl, but I do have a young boy. He's only 10, but I don't think it's too soon to discuss these issues. Right now, I keep it age-appropriate and talk a lot about respecting others, how to treat girls with respect, and the importance of privacy. For tips on how to talk to teens about sex, click here.

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A new sexually transmitted disease has recently been discovered among young adults. Called mycoplasma genitalium, the bug can cause inflammation of the urethra in men and of the cervix and uterus in women, but displays few symptoms in most sufferers.

In a recent study, mycoplasma genitalium was found to be more common among those living with a sexual partner. Though chlamydia still leads the way, with a prevalence of 4.2% of study participants, the new mycoplasma genitalium was found in 1% of people studied, making it a contender in common STDs among young people.

Because not much is known about the disease, including whether sufferers need treatment or not, it's not likely that screening will become commonplace just yet. If you're concerned, you can talk to your doctor, and you can also find out if you're at risk for an STD here.

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