Here is some sexual health information for your son who is interested in girls.
Pregnancy Prevention
- Condoms, condoms, condoms! Ask him to use a condom every time. Show him how to use them on something like a banana and tell him where to find them.
- Talk about the “dual method” of using a condom plus birth control like an implant or the pill to help him and his partner prevent both pregnancy and STDs! Double bonus!
- Teens hear a lot of myths, so remind him that pre-ejaculate can lead to pregnancy, the pull-out method isn’t the most effective, and a girl can still get pregnant while she has her period. A condom should be on the penis if the penis comes into contact with the vagina, and should be on the penis with any oral, anal or genital contact to avoid STDs.
- Tell him that he can and should ask his partner about her plans for pregnancy prevention. His condom alone isn’t always the most effective way to prevent pregnancy. Make sure she’s using something like an implant or the pill before they have sex. Girls can get pregnant the first time they have intercourse.
- Make an appointment for him to talk to his doctor. Try one of these teen-friendly clinics.
- Tell him that no birth control is 100% effective – other than complete abstinence from penis- in-vagina sex. Help him learn how to be safe with his sexual health.
- Remind him that you are always here to address his questions, worries, or concerns. Offer him the option to text you if that makes him feel more comfortable.
STD Safety
- Condoms are the best bet for him to prevent STDs. Using condoms or a dental dam can help him prevent oral STDs. Get both items and show him how to use them during your conversation.
- Have him read about the different STDs and how to prevent them. Here is a teen-friendly guide to share with him.
- Remind him that you are always here to address his questions, worries, or concerns. Offer him the option to text you if that makes him feel more comfortable.
Relationships
- Share with him how important he is and that he should expect respect in relationships.
- Talk to him about how you knew that a person was a good choice for a partner. Talk about the qualities that make a good partner – someone who is respectful, honest, kind, funny, makes you feel good about yourself, shares your values, etc.
- Help him understand how important it is to know that when his partner says “No,” he should stop the sexual activity immediately. Even if his partner has said yes in the past, “No” means to stop the activity immediately.
- Tell him that he should speak up for himself by saying “No” when he’s uncomfortable, no matter how much pressure he’s under.
- Understand that sexual assault is a reality for lots of teens, including boys. Teens’ responses vary widely, but your support makes a big difference. Here are some resources for you as a parent.
- Remind him that having sex isn’t a goal or a badge of honor. He should be ready to have sex when he’s ready, not when he feels like he should or he has to.
- Share this resource with him so he can read more about healthy relationships.
- Refer him to this article about how to be smart at parties and gatherings to protect himself and his friends.
- Give him an out and explain that you are always there to pick him up – no questions asked – from a bad situation. Consider using “Plan X” in your family.
- Remind him that you are always here to address his questions, worries, or concerns. Offer him the option to text you if that makes him feel more comfortable.
SaveSave
