Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) impose a lifelong threat and a large burden for sexually active women. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis can lead to irreversible infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and life-threatening conditions such as ectopic pregnancy. Current risk groups for STIs especially include adolescents and young adults who have recently become sexually active. In this phase of life sexual partner change occurs more frequently and these young people may be inexperienced regarding safer-sex techniques. Obstetrician-gynaecologists need to have special attention for this age group.