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| Talks About Sex | You can be unaware of the fact that your teen may be sexually active or thinking about it. Unfortunately, teens get most of their sex information from peers and much of it is false. For instance, some teenagers think drinking a can of soda pop before sex prevents pregnancy. In actual fact, they have heard many other falsehoods.
It has been determined that the U.S. has the highest rate of teen pregnancy in the industrialized world.
It is very important to talk to your teens about sex. The conversation is easier, if you keep things low key, are honest and direct, and try to understand the pressures your teens face. It would be great if you share the following facts with your teens.
- In spite of what your friends may say, everyone isn’t having sex. Sometimes friends talk about sex to produce a cool effect. Talking about sex isn't the same as having it.
- Abstinence includes not having vaginal, oral, or anal sex. It is the only way to prevent STDs.
- Peers who offer you alcohol and drugs may do it to make you have sex. So be watchful. Your drink may contain "roofies," another name for the date rape drug.
- If you are sexually active always use a condom. Some 17% of sexually active girls ages 15-19, and 9% of sexually active boys ages 15-19, didn't use a condom the last time they had sex. These teenagers are risking pregnancy and STDs.
- If you have had unprotected sex just once you can get pregnant or STDs. Some STDs can be treated, but others, like genital herpes, genital warts and HIV/AIDS can't.
- You have to know that birth control pills don’t protect you against STDs.
- In spite of what you may have heard, oral and anal sex is real sex. Neither is risk-free.
- Nobody has to “pay back” a pricy date or gift with sex. Instead of sex you can show you care by holding hands, kissing, hugging, taking a walk, and listening to music.
Ask your kids to turn to you if they have questions about sex and sexual feelings. Let them know that you will answer their questions honestly and best you can, even if you blush while doing it.
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