Teens are asking for more sex ed in schools

An increase in the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unplanned pregnancies among Boston high school students has led them to demand more access to sexual education in school.

Students told the Boston Globe that they would like to see free condoms available in all of the city's public schools. Nine Boston schools currently offer condoms, but to receive them students must obtain permission from a parent.

Although Boston public schools have a sex education program in place for ninth graders, students who met with city council members said the curriculum varies greatly, the news source reported.

While many schools provide students with information on methods of birth control, some may neglect to teach STD prevention.

All forms of intercourse, whether vaginal, anal or oral, put teenagers at risk for STD infection.

In 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 46 percent of high school students nationwide had participated in sexual intercourse and 14 percent had done so with four or more partners. One third of the sexually active teens reported that they had not used a condom during their last sexual encounter.

Any individual who wishes to be tested for STDs may consider using confidential online testing services.