We’ve all had that rare moment when our teenager opens up about their life. While these moments are brief, it’s important to use them to talk about their health, including the sometimes tough topic of sexual health. Discussing sexual health is important because it affects life-long wellbeing. Normalizing these talks helps ensure your teenager has the information they need to make informed decisions.
Talking to your teenager about sexual health isn’t just a one-time thing. Start early and continue and change that conversation as they grow. Instead of saying, “We need to talk,” use everyday situations to start the discussion. For example, if a friend or family member is pregnant, it may be a good time to ask your teen their feelings about pregnancy. If you’re watching a TV show with a teenage relationship, ask if they know someone who has been in a similar situation. If your teenager doesn’t engage in your conversation, that’s okay. Take the time to share your thoughts and experiences without lecturing. Your teen has their own perspective, but hearing the reason why you think the way you do can help them think more critically about their own beliefs.
Teaching your teen about healthy relationships can guide them to safe choices. A healthy relationship involves respect, where both partners help each other grow, share interests but also have separate friends, listen to each other, and never pressure each other into anything uncomfortable.
Providing honest and clear information, rather than scare tactics, also makes it easier for teens to make healthy choices. Teaching about abstinence is important, but they should also learn how condoms and contraception work and how to properly use them. They also need to understand that contraception isn’t just about preventing pregnancy – It also helps reduce their risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV. In addition to painful physical symptoms, these infections, if untreated, can impact their body’s ability to fight off other infections and disease. Some can even impact your teenager’s ability to have children in the future.
Your teenager’s healthcare provider is also here to help. Encourage them to talk to their provider about any questions they have. Free, confidential sexual health services are also available at Black Hawk County Public Health. You can find more information at on our website or by calling (319) 291-2413. Together, we can help empower our youth to live their healthiest lives.