Reducing the risks: adolescents and sexually transmitted diseases.

The incidence of sexually transmitted disease (STDs) in adolescents is alarming and continues to increase. Prevention and treatment of STDs in this population are impeded by the lack of accessible services which address the unique needs of teens. Nurse practitioners who provide services to teens should be knowledgeable about adolescent development and how to provide "teen-friendly" services. This article describes how adolescent development affects the incidence, prevention, and treatment of STDs. Approaches to the care of the adolescent client are described.