Parents never find it easy to talk to their teenagers about sex. Many parents feel that talking about it is tantamount to condoning it and are therefore reluctant to do so. However, according to the most recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), a nationwide survey of high school students, 30% of teens have had sex by the time they finish high school.
Sometimes it’s impossible to know for sure if your teen has had sex. Even if they haven’t, it’s likely that they will at some point – and they need information to keep themselves safe and healthy.
What parents should know about sexually transmitted infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are very common. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms and can be transmitted through all types of sex. Although most STIs are treatable, they can affect the fertility of women and men, cause health problems for the baby during pregnancy and sometimes lead to a lifelong infection or serious complications. That’s why teens need to know about these diseases.
Below are the key facts about some of the most common infections: what causes them, what symptoms can occur and how they are treated.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most commonly reported bacterial STD in the United States – but just as many cases are asymptomatic, so the number may be higher than we think.
Symptoms include discharge from the vagina or penis, pain when urinating, or pain and swelling of the testicles (this is rare). A urine test (or a swab from the affected area) can diagnose the disease, and it is curable with antibiotics. If left untreated, it can lead to infertility, which is more common in women than men.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is another sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria, which can also be asymptomatic. If symptoms occur, they are very similar to those of chlamydia. Gonorrhea can also lead to infertility in women and men. Although it is treatable, some infections are resistant to the usual antibiotics, so additional tests and treatment are sometimes required.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is caused by protozoa. It is another sexually transmitted disease that can be asymptomatic. If symptoms occur, they are usually itching, irritation and discharge. It can be cured with medication.
Syphilis
Syphilis is on the rise. In the first stage of infection, a firm, round, painless sore usually develops where the infection has entered the body. The sore usually remains for three to six weeks, but as it is painless, it may go unnoticed.
In the second stage, there is a more extensive rash, but it may be mild and go unnoticed, along with general feelings of illness such as fever, sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes or weight loss.
However, if syphilis remains undetected, it can linger in the body for years, sometimes affecting organ systems, including the brain. The disease is curable with antibiotics, but if it is detected too late, the damage it causes can be permanent. This infection can be very serious during pregnancy.
HSV
HSV (herpes simplex virus) causes blistering. There is both oral herpes (blisters in the mouth) and genital herpes. Oral herpes, which is caused by HSV1, is not usually triggered by sex – but it can lead to genital herpes through oral sex. Genital herpes is usually caused by HSV2.
The cold sores can recur for a lifetime. There is no cure for herpes, but there are medications that can shorten or prevent outbreaks. This infection can be particularly dangerous during pregnancy, although the risks can be controlled with good prenatal care.
HPV
HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection. It can even be transmitted through close skin contact, and infections are generally asymptomatic.
Most HPV cases (90%) heal on their own – but if not, the virus can cause genital warts or certain cancers over time. Fortunately, there is an effective vaccine to prevent HPV, which can be administered from the age of 9.
HIV
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is more common in people who have other sexually transmitted diseases – mainly because sexually transmitted diseases are a sign of risky sexual behavior. It can be very difficult to tell if a person has HIV, as the first symptoms can feel like the flu and then sufferers can have no symptoms at all for a long period of time.
While there is no cure for HIV, there are medications available to control and prevent it.
Talking to Teens About Preventing STDs
This all sounds scary. But there are actually some simple things teenagers can do to prevent infection or minimize complications, which is why parents need to talk to them.
Teens can:
Use condoms every time you have sex – and use them properly. According to the report mentioned above, about half of sexually active students do not use condoms regularly.
Limit the number of sexual partners you have – and have open conversations with those partners before having sex. Asking about sexual history and getting tested before entering into a sexual relationship can go a long way.
Get tested regularly. Sexually active teenagers should get tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year, or more often depending on sexual history or symptoms. Tests for other infections can also be useful. In the YRBS study, 95% of students were not tested for STDs in the past year, which is alarming given that nearly a third report being sexually active.
Make sure your teen goes to the doctor regularly. And encourage your child to be honest at doctor visits. As a parent, you can help your child by allowing them to have confidential conversations with the doctor.