Yikes. Read the full story here.

CHICAGO - At least one in four teenage American girls has a sexually transmitted disease, suggests a first-of-its-kind federal study that startled some adolescent-health experts.

Some doctors said the numbers might be a reflection of both abstinence-only sex education and teens' own sense of invulnerabilty. Because some sexually transmitted infections can cause infertility and cancer, U.S. health officials called for better screening, vaccination and prevention.

...

Among those who admitted having sex, the rate was even more disturbing — 40 percent had an STD.

...

"Sexuality is still a very taboo subject in our society," [sex education expert Nora Gelperin] said. "Teens tell us that they can't make decisions in the dark and that adults aren't properly preparing them to make responsible decisions."

Needless to say, it's a pretty staggering statistic. Girls, think of your three best friends ... er, just kidding.

But really. What do you (girls and guys) think might be the root cause of these findings? Is the education system to blame - do you feel like you have been sufficiently educated on ways to prevent STDs?

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