'Millennial' generation faces unique hardships, health threats

According to a recent article published in the Huffington Post, teenagers and individuals currently in their 20s, also known as the Millennial generation, are sustaining optimism for the future, despite the economic decline and high unemployment rates. However, the newspaper highlighted several areas of concern regarding the health of America's youth, one of which is the growing prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Aside from high rates of suicide and obesity, the news provider explained that the number of people between the ages of 15 and 24 who were diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhea has increased over the past five years.

Furthermore, upwards of 14 percent of new HIV cases were reported among individuals in this age demographic, the news source said. This may be particularly worrisome, since there is no known cure for the disease.

Inconsistent use of contraception may be one factor that contributes to this health concern. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 36 percent of high school students did not use a condom during their last sexual encounter.

The organization notes that young people between the ages of 15 and 24 account for nearly half of the more than 19 million new STDs diagnosed annually in the U.S.