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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Social clubs for people with herpes -- I have to admit, that's something I would have never considered. But once I started reading that article, I realized it really was a very compassionate idea for people who struggle with this very common sexually transmitted disease.

About 25% of women and 20% of men have genital herpes. Besides the obvious health issues, the disease can make dating difficult and awkward. When to tell a potential partner, how to tell a potential partner, and then dealing with the fallout afterward are all things herpes sufferers have to deal with. In response, several online dating groups have been popping up across the nation. Some offer social outings, others offer emotional support, and they all provide a pool of potential soul mates who not only know that you suffer from the disease, but also have it themselves (so there is no concern of spreading.)

Interesting concept, and also timely considering the recent news that one in four American women have been infected with the HPV virus, which -- besides its well known connection to cervical cancer -- can also cause genital warts. What do you think?

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