Video:How to Talk to Your Teen About STDs

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Transcript:How to Talk to Your Teen About STDs

Hi, my name is Patricia O'Laughlin and I am a Marriage and Family Therapist with TherapyForParents.com. Today I am speaking to you on behalf of About.com on how to talk to your teens about STDs.

Talk About Birth Control When You Talk to Your Teen About STDs

The best time to talk about STDs with your teen is when you talk about birth control. Here are 5 things to consider when talking to your teen about STDs. The first thing is talk about birth control. Talk about what forms of birth control don’t protect against STDs.

The second thing is talk about what types of STDs there are. Talk about AIDS and HIV. Talk about how even though this disease in particular is no longer life-threatening, that it is still dangerous. Stress the long-term consequences of living with an STD.

Discuss Peer Pressure When You Talk to Your Teen About STDs

The third thing is talk about peer pressure and how hard it can be to stop in the moment and use birth control. Validate to your teen that this isn't easy. And talk about ways that your teen can slow down in the moment and use birth control.

The fourth thing is talk about testing. Talk about ways that your teen can get tested as well as request that their partner be tested. Maybe role-play these conversations with your teen. I know that might feel weird and be odd, but it might help give your teen the language they need, to ask their partner to be tested.

Provide Testing Locations When You Talk to Your Teen About STDs

And the fifth thing is provide numbers and locations where your can get tested anonymously. They might not want to come to you and say that they made a mistake. It's still important that they get tested so they can get the help that they need.

I know it can be really hard to talk to your teenager about sex. Do it while you're talking to your teenager about birth control. It can help keep your teenager safe.

Thank you so much for watching and for more information, visit us at About.com.