FollowThe Importance of Talking About
Abstinence with Your Teenager
As a parent, you naturally want the very best for your teen. It is for this reason that you ensure that you talk to your teen about abstinence when it comes to sex. You may think that even bringing up the subject of sex with your teen will encourage them to engage in sexual intercourse. However, the fact of the matter is that when teens have the needed information regarding abstinence, they will more than likely refrain from intercourse. Here is why it is important to talk to your teenager about abstinence.
Photo credit- Sexual-Communication-Wikispaces-Abstinence Only Education
One of the most important things that you want to get across to your teen is the dangers that face them should they choose to engage in sexual activity.
In today’s world, the choices that teenagers make can affect their health and may even impact their future in one way or another. Abstinence can help to prevent sexual transmitted diseases and pregnancy. When it comes to sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s), the most common ones today are Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, HIV/AIDS, Herpes Simplex (HSV) and Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
It is important for your teen to understand that sexual intercourse isn’t the only way that some of these diseases can be transmitted. While it is true that these diseases are spread from one person to another through sexual contact, this contact doesn’t necessarily mean intercourse. Oral herpes, for instance, can be transmitted just through kissing. Oral sex can lead to STD’s like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, HIV/AIDS and HSV.
When it comes to teen pregnancy, the good news is that teen pregnancies are down 55% since the early part of the 1990’s. However, with that said, the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy states that today 1 out of 4 teens become pregnant before they reach the age of 20. It is also stated that out of all the pregnancies in the United States, 45% of them are unplanned.
Remember when you are talking to them about this subject matter, be serious, but not too technical. Speak to them in simple terms without too much statistics, as it may overwhelm them. Make sure to ask them if they have any questions and if they do, answer them the best that you can.
It is important that your teen understands that just because a condom or other form of contraception is used during intercourse, does not mean that they will not become pregnant.
The only 100% way to prevent pregnancy is through abstinence.
