Summary
Sexual activity can be dangerous for teenagers, and in this video Dr. Richard Honaker walks parents through the main risks and what to do about them.
The first risk is pregnancy. The second is sexually transmitted diseases. Dr. Honaker singles out chlamydia as very common, and notes that it can cause infertility. The video also lists gonorrhea, herpes, syphilis (relatively uncommon), hepatitis C and HIV. The way to avoid these infections, he says, is to avoid sexual activity with multiple partners, or sexual activity at all, and using condoms is important.
There is also an emotional side. Dr. Honaker says young people are very tender emotionally, especially young women, and that young men and boys can sometimes take advantage of them.
Dr. Honaker’s advice to parents: talk to your kids while they’re young. It’s not too early to start at 11, 12 or 13.
Key takeaways
- The physical risks for sexually active teens include pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
- Dr. Honaker names chlamydia (very common, and can cause infertility), gonorrhea, herpes, syphilis, hepatitis C and HIV.
- Avoiding multiple partners, or sexual activity altogether, and using condoms reduces the risk.
- Sex also carries emotional risks for young people.
- Start talking with your kids about the dangers early, around ages 11 to 13.
Questions Dr. Honaker answers
What are the dangers of sex for teenagers?
Pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and emotional harm.
Which sexually transmitted diseases should teens know about?
Dr. Honaker lists chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, syphilis, hepatitis C and HIV, and notes that chlamydia is very common and can cause infertility.
When should parents start talking about it?
Early. Dr. Honaker says it isn’t too early to start at 11 to 13 years old.
