Talk with your teen about how to prevent STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), even if you don't think your teen is sexually active.
\nIf talking about sex and STDs with your teen makes you nervous, you aren't alone. It can be hard to know where to start. But it's important to make sure your teen knows how to stay safe.
\nThese tips can help you talk to your teen about preventing STDs:
\nYou can also ask your teen\u2019s doctor to talk with your teen about preventing STDs. This is called STD prevention counseling.
\nAll teens need accurate information about how to prevent STDs. Teens whose parents talk with them about sex and how to prevent STDs are not more likely to have sex. But they will be more likely to make healthy choices about sex when they're older.
\nIn fact, teens say that their parents have a bigger influence on their decisions about sex than the media, their siblings, or their friends.
\nFind out more about why it\u2019s important to talk to your kids about sex.
\nAbout half of all STD cases in the United States happen in young people ages 15 to 24.
\nTeens are at a higher risk than adults of getting STDs for a number of reasons. For example, they may:
\nSTDs are diseases that can spread from person to person during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Some STDs can also spread during any kind of activity that involves skin-to-skin sexual contact.
\nSTDs are sometimes called STIs, or sexually transmitted infections. Examples of STDs include genital herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV.
\nThese diseases are very common. Although many STDs can be cured, they can cause serious health problems if they aren\u2019t treated. Many STDs don't have any symptoms, so the only way to know for sure if you have an STD is to get tested. Learn more about STDs.
\nTalk to your teen about what STDs are and how to prevent them. Use the facts and resources below to talk with your teen.
\nKnowing the facts helps teens protect themselves. Check out these websites together:
\nComplete abstinence means not having any kind of sexual contact. This includes vaginal, anal, or oral sex and skin-to-skin sexual contact. Complete abstinence is the only sure way to prevent STDs.
\nDiscuss this information about abstinence with your teen.
\nMake sure your teen knows how to use condoms, even if you don't think he is sexually active. Offer to help get condoms if your teen doesn\u2019t know where to go. Share these resources:
\nEncourage your teen to talk with her partner about STD prevention before having sex. Say that you understand it may not be easy, but it\u2019s important for your teen to speak up. These tips can help:
\n \nAsk your teen to talk honestly with the doctor or nurse about any sexual activity. That way, the doctor can decide which tests your teen may need. Sexually active teens may need to be tested for:
\nIt's important to help your teen develop a trusting relationship with the doctor or nurse. Step out of the room to give your teen a chance to ask about STD testing and prevention in private.
\nThis is an important step in teaching teens to play an active role in their health care. Get more tips on helping teens take charge of their health care.
\nKeep in mind that your teen can get tested for STDs at the doctor \u2013 or go to a clinic. To find an STD clinic near you:
\nIt\u2019s important for teen girls and boys to know about preventing pregnancy as well as STDs. Check out these resources with your teen:
\nFamilies have different rules about when it\u2019s okay for teens to start dating. Whatever your rules are, the best time to start talking about healthy relationships is before your teen starts dating.
\nHelp your teen develop healthy expectations for relationships. Get tips for talking to your kids about healthy relationships.
\nYes. All teens \u2013 including LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) teens \u2013 need accurate information about STDs. Remember, STDs can spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex and skin-to-skin sexual contact.
\nLGBT teens may also be at higher risk for STDs than straight teens, so it's important to talk to your teen about STD prevention. Learn more about supporting your LGBT teen\u2019s health.
\nHelp protect your teen from STDs by sharing the facts he or she needs to make healthy decisions.
\nIt\u2019s very common to be nervous when talking to your teen about something like STDs. Learn about STDs so you\u2019ll be ready for the conversation. You may also want to practice what you\u2019ll say to your teen with another adult, like your partner or another parent.
\nBefore you talk with your teen about preventing STDs:
\n \nTalking with your teen about how to prevent STDs may not be easy for you. It\u2019s normal for both of you to feel uncomfortable \u2013 and it\u2019s okay to be honest with your teen about how you feel.
\nRemember, when you are honest with your teen, he\u2019s more likely to be honest with you. And keep in mind that your teen may ask a question you can\u2019t answer. Tell him you aren\u2019t sure \u2013 then look up the answer together!
\nRemember, you have plenty of time to talk about preventing STDs. You don\u2019t need to fit everything into one conversation \u2013 it\u2019s actually better if you don\u2019t. Give your teen time to think \u2013 she may come back later and ask questions.
\nMake this the first conversation of many about preventing STDs.
\nShow your teen that you are paying attention and trying to understand his thoughts and feelings. Try these tips:
\nGet more tips for listening to your teen.
\nSometimes it\u2019s easier to have a conversation while you are doing something else at the same time. For example, try talking with your teen about sex and STDs when you are driving in the car or cooking dinner.
\nYou can still show your teen that you are listening to him by nodding your head or repeating what he says.
\nRemember that you aren\u2019t the only person thinking about how to talk to a teen about preventing STDs. Ask other parents what they have done. You may be able to get helpful tips and ideas.
\nCounseling to prevent STDs is recommended for all teens who are sexually active. That means it\u2019s part of a doctor\u2019s job to help teens learn how to prevent STDs. The doctor may:
\nSTD prevention counseling includes:
\nUnder the Affordable Care Act, the health care reform law passed in 2010, health insurance plans must cover prevention counseling and screening for teens at higher risk of getting an STD.
\nDepending on your insurance plan, your teen may be able to get STD counseling and screening at no cost to you. For information about other services covered by the Affordable Care Act, visit HealthCare.gov.
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