Sexually Transmitted Infections

What is My Child Risking?

There are many serious, and in some cases fatal, complications associated with sexually transmitted infections. For example, many lead to infertility, increased risk of becoming infected with HIV, arthritis or mental illness, to name only a few. Unfortunately, adolescents have a significant risk of being infected because:

• Experimentation is a normal part of adolescent development, which also exposes them to serious health risks. Their sexual relations may at times be unplanned, sporadic or the result of peer pressure or force.
• Some may begin to have sex before they develop the skills needed to get protection and use it effectively.
• Chlamydia during the teen years is more likely to result in Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which may lead to infertility, or cancer of the cervix. Reassure your teen that chlamydia is preventable.
• Embarrassment associated with STIs can harm their psychological development and their attitudes towards sexuality later in life.
• Diagnosis of an STI is sometimes difficult, as there may not be any symptoms, especially in young women.
• Even if they are aware of health services available to them, they may be reluctant to get help or treatment. Make sure your child is aware of the resource available and how to get in contact with them.
• They quite often have a problem with treatments as they may be lengthy, painful, or they feel they have to hide their medication so that nobody discovers that they're infected.

Make sure your teenager is fully aware of the complications and risks.

Last Modified: September 5, 2006