Percentages

The rate of sexually transmitted diseases is rising rapidly in Great Britain, and researchers say that alcohol -- particularly teen drinking -- plays a major role in the trend.

The Independent reported June 15 that a report from the Independent Advisory Group on Sexual Health and HIV found that about 40 percent of sexually active 13- to 14-year-olds said they were drunk or high when they first had sex, and that about 10 percent of 15- and 16-year-olds said they had sex after drinking that they later regretted.

Rates of HIV and chlymidia have risen 300 percent over the past 12 years in the U.K., while the gonorrhea rate has risen 200 percent and the syphilis rate has increased 2,000 percent.

The authors noted that female drinking patterns in the U.K. now match those of men, and that alcohol has a stronger impact on sexual behavior of women than men.

"All involved should review the areas that potentially encourage the young to use alcohol and drugs, with the associated impact on sexual activity," said panel chair Baroness Gould. "We recommend that the government works with manufacturers, advertisers and broadcasters to look at issues like advertising alcohol to the young."