At least one in four teen girls has a sexually transmitted disease.
That's according to the a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Human papilloma virus, or H-P-V is the most common. But there is a way to protect yourself.
H-P-V is something most people don't even know they have it.
But it is very common. Both men and women can get it.
Now there is a vaccine that doesn't treat it but it can prevent it.
Currently that vaccine is only licensed for women.
Every year there's approximately six million new cases of HPV in the US.

Lynne Trauntvein, registered nurse: "By the time someone reaches about the age of forty five they're about eight percent of people have been in contact with HPV."

The thing is most people don't even know they have it, and that's why it can spread so easily.

Trauntvein: "Someone can have HPV for many years but before finally shows itself to be something serious."

That something else can be as serious as cervical cancer, or it can actually go away on it's own.

Trauntvein: "It's like common cold virus, all of us get exposed to it, but we all get over those usually, but some people do go on to have complications."

It's recommended that young women should get vaccinated before they become sexually active.

"Start vaccine at age eleven or twelve."

This new vaccine is called Gardasil, it helps prevent four of the most common types of HPV.
And it's not a one time deal. It's actually a three step process.

"Get a one dose wait and two months come back and get second dose they wait four months and get third."

All this can be pricey. Kids who don't have insurance can get it for fourteen bucks a shot.
But if you have insurance, then it costs a hundred forty five bucks a pop.

Trauntvein: "Four hundred dollars can protect child against something that later can cost thousands."

Now most insurances cover it.
HPV shots are becoming more popular.

Trauntvein: "I know HPV is covered in school curriculum under preventive type medication and things you can do to keep yourself healthy."

It's also important to note, HPV can spread through any type of sexual contact.
And that's another reason why many young women come in and get the vaccine.
It actually helps prevent genital warts ninety percent of the time.