It might seem like an uncomfortable conversation to have with your child, but education on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is extremely important for the health of your sons or daughters.
STIs or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are preventable. A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show there are more than 110 million total STIs among men and women across the nation. There are about 20 million new infections in the United States each year, costing the American health care system nearly $16 billion in direct medical costs alone.
It is important to not let embarrassment keep you from speaking to your children about such an important topic. If it’s easier to find a website and tell your child about it, you can use it as a springboard to open communication.
Something I often tell my patients is that when it comes to sexual health, having accurate and comprehensive information on STIs is essential. STIs are a concern for almost everyone. But as more information becomes available, staying safe is getting easier, through both preventative methods and treatment. However, although condoms are highly effective for reducing transmission of STIs, keep in mind that no method is 100 percent effective except abstinence.
I have found that questions are often a good starting point for a discussion with a child. When he or she is curious, they’re often more open to hearing what their parents have to say. If your child does not seem to be comfortable with the subject, try using the media, a TV program, a movie or an article in the paper, and ask what your child thinks about it.
Another way is to use the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine as a starting point for a conversation. The HPV vaccine is recommended for preteen girls (and also boys) and has the best chance of protecting against infection if the series of shots is given before someone becomes sexually active. This presents an opportunity to talk to your child about the purpose and importance of getting the vaccine.
I have also found that spending time talking with your child early on about important topics like this will make it much easier later to broach topics like sex because they’ll feel more comfortable sharing thoughts with you.
The truth is it’s never too late to talk to your kids about STIs, even if they’re already teenagers. A late talk is better than no talk at all. But the best time to start having these discussions is some time during their preteen years.
There are some great website resources available, such as the American Social Health Association, KidsHealth, Peer to Peer and the Illinois Department of Public Health’s “Beyond the birds and bees: Talking to your kids about AIDS/HIV, STDs and unintended pregnancy.”
If all else fails, perhaps talk with your child’s doctor about the issue. A physician or someone who the child does not know as well as a family member or friend might be able to help.
Some common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B virus (HBV), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human papillomavirus (HPV), syphilis and trichomoniasis. STI symptoms aren’t always obvious. Some STIs can be treated easily and eliminated, but others require more involved, long-term treatment.
If you think your child has an STI or has been exposed to an STI, please plan a visit to the doctor.
Nydia Estrada-Nunez, M.D.
Family Medicine
Wishard-Eskenazi Health