A new report suggests one in four teen girls have at some point been infected with an STD.

U.S. (WiredPRNews.com) – A new government report reveals a high rate of sexually transmitted diseases among teen girls in the U.S. As reported by HealthDay News, the report states that one in four have had an STD, with a number of infections occurring after a first sexual encounter.

Dr. Sami L. Gottlieb, with the U.S. Centers for Disease and Prevention, who authored the study, is quoted in the report as stating of the findings, “The high burden of STDs among teen girls reminds us that we can’t ignore this… Sexual health is an important part of the overall health and well being of teenagers. For too long, we as a nation have been far too squeamish about sexual health issues for teens, but we owe it to our kids to get over it.”

More information about the report may be found in the Pediatrics journal.

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