Why it's healthy to talk about sex

Tuesday, 21 September 2010 08:19

It is probably fair to say that talking openly about sex is not something that comes easily to the majority of us, especially if you are a parent or a teenager.  But learning how to broach the many facets of sexual health, and understanding where to go for detailed information and advice, is often half the battle.

Our GPs and nurses are always on hand should you need help or advice on anything from contraception to family planning, treating sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

To help parents and teenagers alike, we’ve compiled this mini guide:

Parents:

Talking to your teenage children about sexual health is really important. It can help with emotional development; educate them on why it is good to wait until they are legally and emotionally ready to have a sexual relationship; teach them the importance of safe sex and help to reduce teenage pregnancy.

From contraception to sexually transmitted infections, teenage pregnancy and sexuality, while many teenagers will learn a lot a lot about sexual health at school, parents can also play a vital role in helping them to understand more about how their bodies work, encouraging them to feel more confident about talking about sex.

It really doesn’t matter if you are embarrassed about it. In fact it might also put your teenage son or daughter at ease to know that you understand how they are feeling.

The Family Planning Association is a great source of information and has a special section for parents, providing help and advice.

Teenagers:

For teenagers, talking about sexual health with their mates can often seem much less daunting than talking about it with parents or carers. But friends don’t always have all the answers and often don’t know as much as they might pretend. It is therefore very important for young people to feel confident enough to gather the information they need in an easy and non-judgemental way, so that they can take control of their own decisions, protect themselves against sexually transmitted diseases and help boost their feelings of self-respect and esteem.

The Internet is a great source of information and many websites are designed specifically with teenagers in mind.  One of our favourite sites is www.connexions-direct.com where you can find out about everything from Chlamydia to condoms. Other good sites for information include www.ruthinking.co.uk www.likeitis.org.uk or www.sexperienceuk.channel4.com/sex-education

Other good sources of information are Brook and the Family Planning Association.

For 12-15 year olds, Teen Life Check is a quick and easy online quiz that lets them check out their lifestyle.  The results are kept confidential – see www.teenlifecheck.co.uk

Don’t forget that the team at DMC is also close at hand should you need to talk.  Click here  to find your nearest DMC health centre. You are welcome to call or visit us to speak to one of our friendly GPs or nurses.  Everything you share with us will be kept confidential and we will do our very best to help you, no matter what the issue.

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