About this topic
STDs are sexually-transmitted diseases. They are infections that you catch during sex. Skin-to-skin contact with an infected person can spread STDs. Another way you can get an STD is during vaginal, oral, or anal sex. You may also get it by coming in contact with semen or blood of an infected person. There are many types of STDs. These include: ‚
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Herpes simplex
- Syphilis
These types of STDs may cause signs like pain when passing urine, sores or genital warts, and many more. Teaching your kids about STDs can help you stop them from getting this health problem. ‚
General
Teach your kids about their health. Help them learn facts about their bodies, sex, and relationships. These important issues may be hard to talk about. You will be helping your kids learn about sexual health. Talk to them about STDs before they start having sex. ‚
When Is the Right Time to Start to Talk With Your Kids? ‚
- Talk to your kids during their early years. Start when they are a preteen or during middle school. It is important to start while they are young. This will help your child feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts and questions with you.
- Start whenever your kids begin to ask questions about sex, sexual health, or their body functions. Keep the answers very simple when your child is young. Add more details as your child grows.
- Teen years are not too late to talk to your kids. It is better to talk to them later than not at all.
Here are some ways on how you can talk to your kids about STDs. ‚
- Before you start, make sure that you have all the right information you need. Learn about STDs. Go to the library or online. Talk to your doctor. Find reliable information about STDs.
- Start talking with your child by giving them basic information about sex. Your child needs to know the right names for both male and female body parts. Talk about relationships and love. Talk about STDs. Share information about the different kinds of infections they could get.
- Ask them what they know about STDs. Find out what they want to learn about STDs. Talk about what kind of sex scenes they have seen on TV and movies. Was it kissing? Suggestions of sex? What did the characters do?
- Talk about how the infections spread, what are the causes, the signs, and how STDs are treated. Tell them some actual life events to make it more real for your kids.
- You can use materials, like pictures or videos, to help them understand clearly. Pick materials that are age appropriate for your kids.
- The setting is important. Make your kids feel that they are free to express what they think. Ask them questions during or in between your talks with them. Allow them to share their views and concerns about STDs and sex issues.
- Talk to your kids in an open and positive manner about STDs. Tell them about the tests and preventions to help them protect in the future.
- Practice before you have this talk.
- Give your child other chances to ask more questions. Some children want to process the information and will have more questions later.
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What will the results be?
- You may be able to protect your child from getting STDS.
- It can also help your child feel free to come to you with questions and concerns.
Will there be any other care needed?
- Ask your doctor or nurse so that you do not tell the wrong information to your kids.
- There are some vaccines that may help your kids prevent STDs.
- Keep the doctors visits and shots up to date. Take time and ask your kids to check their health and relationships along the way. Make sure that you know their habits and guide them as they grow up.
- Check in with your kids often.
Where can I learn more?
KidsHealth.org ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/std/talk_child_stds.html# ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚