A new report has found that many physicians may not be screening teenage girls for chlamydia, the most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease in the United States. Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh studied more than 800 Pennsylvania physicians and found that they were less likely to test for the disease if they thought that the majority of their 18-year-old patients were not having sex. However, the study pointed out, "Sixty-five percent of 18-year-old women have had intercourse, and chlamydia is frequently detected across all populations." According to the researchers, who published their findings in the Journal of Adolescent Health, chlamydia tests should be given to
all sexually active young women when they undergo routine gynecologic exams. The authors also note that better physician education is needed.
Other CDC News for March 23, 2001
