Adolescent and Youth Health - Sexual Risk Behavior

Sexual Risk Behavior: HIV, STD, & Teen Pregnancy Prevention 

Many young people engage in risky sexual behaviors that can lead to unintended health outcomes. For example, among U.S. students school respondents in 2009

46% had had sex

34% had had sex during the previous 3 months, and of these

14% had had sex with four or more people during their lifetime

Risky sexual behavior of adolescents put them at risk for HIV infection, other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unwanted pregnancies

To reduce sexual risk behaviors and health-related problems among young people, schools and other youth organizations can help young people adopt lifelong attitudes and behaviors that support the health and welfare, including behaviors that reduce the risk of contracting HIV, other STIs and unwanted pregnancies