The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) reported last year that one in four teenage girls had contracted a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Sexually transmitted diseases (also known as STDs - or STIs for sexually transmitted infections) are infectious diseases that spread from person to person through intimate contact. STDs can affect guys and girls of all ages and backgrounds who are having sex - it doesnt matter if theyre rich or poor. Unfortunately, STDs have become common among teens. Because teens are more at risk for getting some STDs, its important to learn what they can do to protect themselves. As with many other diseases, prevention is key. Its much easier to prevent STDs than to treat them. The only way to completely prevent STDs is to abstain from all types of sexual contact. Features Robert H. Shaw M.D. graduate of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York. Dr. Shaw is the director of the Sexually Transmitted Disease Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Los Angeles, California. Subjects Covered Include: What are STDs?, Types of STDs? How are STDs Spread?, Preventing & Treating STDs, Who Can Get HIV?, Hepatitis B - how is it spread?