Talking to Your Kids About STDs It is important for parents to talk to their kids and teens about STDs (sexually transmitted diseases). Your kids need to understand how STDs spread and how to protect themselves. What Are STDs? STDs (also called sexually transmitted infections, or STIs) are infections that spread through sex (vaginal, oral, or anal). Some STDs can spread through close contact with the genitals or body fluids. Does Talking About Sex and STDs Make Teens More Likely to Have Sex? Talking to kids and teens about sex and STDs does not make it more likely that they'll have sex. But if they do become sexually active, they will understand the risks and know how to protect themselves. When Should I Talk to My Kids About STDs? Talking about STDs and other personal subjects like sex and puberty shouldn't be one big talk at a particular age. Instead, start the conversation early, and slowly build on your child's understanding. By about 10–13 years old, most kids understand what sex is and are ready to learn about STDs. But even if your child is older and you haven't started talking about STDs, it's not too late to have the conversation. A late talk is better than no talk at all. How Do I Bring Up the Subject of STDs? Sometimes it can be hard to find the right time to talk about STDs. A good time to start the conversation might be: if your child asks questions about sex during a TV show or movie that shows a romantic relationship. You might ask, "What sorts of things do people in a relationship need to think about?" when your child gets the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. You could say, "This shot protects you from a type of STD. Do you know what an STD is?" What Should I Talk About? Talk about the types of STDs: Chlamydia Genital Herpes Genital Warts (HPV) Gonorrhea HIV and AIDS Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Pubic Lice Syphilis Trichomoniasis Cover these key points: STDs mainly spread through sex. But some STDs can spread through close contact with someone's genitals or body fluids. The best way to completely prevent an STD is to not have sex (oral, vaginal, or anal). If someone decides to have sex, using a latex condom every time can prevent most STDs. Some people with an STD have discharge from the vagina or penis, or sores in the genital area. Some people with an STD have no signs or symptoms. Even then, a person can spread the infection to a sexual partner. If someone has an STD and does not get treatment, it can lead to medical problems such as long-term pain and trouble getting pregnant later. Antibiotics can cure some STDs (like chlamydia and gonorrhea). But some STDs (like herpes or HIV) have no cure. You can get an STD the very first time you have sex. Where Can We Get More Information About STDs? You can get reliable information about STDs at: Teenshealth.org your doctor's office organizations like Planned Parenthood the school nurse or counselor What if I Have Trouble Talking to My Kids About STDs? If you don't feel comfortable talking with your kids about STDs, make sure they can turn to someone else for accurate information. This could be a doctor or nurse practitioner , counselor, school nurse, teacher, or a trusted family member. Kids and teens need to know about STDs. It's best if they get the facts from someone reliable. Back to Articles Related Articles STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) You've probably heard lots of discouraging news about sexually transmitted diseases. The good news is that STDs can be prevented. Find out how to protect yourself. Read More How Do Doctors Test for STDs? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More STDs Parents should learn about the most common STDs, how they spread, and how they're diagnosed and treated. Read More Talking to Your Partner About STDs You know you should talk about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) before the action starts. But what if the thought of having "the talk" makes you nervous? These tips can help. Read More About Abstinence Abstinence is the only form of birth control that is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. Abstinence also protects people against STDs. Read More About Birth Control Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Read this article to get the basics on birth control. Read More About Birth Control: What Parents Need to Know Talking to your kids about sex can be a challenge. But discussing issues like birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or getting an STD. Read More About Condoms Condoms are thin pouches that keep sperm from getting into the vagina. There are male condoms and female condoms. Read More Chlamydia Chlamydia is an STD that often has no symptoms, so lots of people can have it and not know it. Read this article to learn how to protect yourself. Read More Chlamydia Chlamydia is an STD caused by bacteria. It's important to know the symptoms, as treatment can prevent the infection from leading to other health problems. Read More Condoms Condoms may be a good birth control option for couples who are responsible enough to use one each time and people who want protection against STDs. Read More Genital Herpes Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that's usually caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Read More Genital Warts (HPV) Genital warts usually are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which also can lead to cervical cancer and other types of cancer. The HPV vaccine can prevent HPV infection. Read More Genital Warts (HPV) Genital warts usually are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which also can lead to cervical cancer and other types of cancer. A vaccine can prevent HPV infection. Read More Gonorrhea The STD gonorrhea can be very dangerous if it's not treated, even in someone who has mild or no symptoms. For information about how to protect yourself, read this article. Read More Gonorrhea Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Many people with gonorrhea have no symptoms. They can spread the infection to others without knowing it. Read More Gyn Checkups Girls should get their first gynecological checkup between ages 13 and 15. Find out what happens during a yearly gyn visit -- and why most girls don't get internal exams. Read More How to Get Tested for HIV Often the only way to know if someone is infected with HIV is through testing. Here are the facts on what's involved in getting tested — and who should get tested for HIV and why. Read More HIV and AIDS Parents can help prevent HIV/AIDS by learning the facts and talking with their kids regularly about healthy behaviors, feelings, and sexuality. Read More HPV Vaccine The HPV vaccine can help protect against the virus that causes genital warts and may lead to some kinds of cancer. Find out more in this article for teens. Read More Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) Pelvic inflammatory disease, sometimes called PID, is an infection of the fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, or ovaries. Learn how to protect yourself. Read More Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a serious infection of the female reproductive organs that may cause severe symptoms, minor symptoms, or no symptoms at all. Read More Pubic Lice (Crabs) Pubic lice are six-legged creatures that infest the hair in the pubic area. Pubic lice infestation is considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD), but it can be contracted in other ways. Read More Pubic Lice (Crabs) Pubic lice, or "crabs," are tiny insects that usually spread through sex. Read More Questions and Answers About Sex Answering kids' questions about sex is a responsibility many parents dread. But by answering these questions honestly, parents can help foster healthy feelings about sex. Read More Syphilis Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Early treatment can cure it and prevent long-term problems. Read More Syphilis Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Early treatment can cure it and prevent long-term problems. Read More Trichomoniasis Trichomoniasis is a curable disease that can be passed from one person to another during sex. The good news is that it can be prevented. Read about how to protect yourself. Read More Trichomoniasis Trichomoniasis (or "trich") is a sexually transmitted disease. Many people with trich have no symptoms, so they can spread it to others without knowing it. Read More Bacterial Vaginosis BV is the most common vaginal infection. Although it's a mild infection, it can cause serious problems if it's not treated. Find out how to recognize BV and what to do about it in this article for teens. Read More Genital Herpes Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). There's no cure for genital herpes, but medicines can help control it. Read More HIV and AIDS There is no cure for AIDS, which is why prevention is so important. Get the facts on HIV/AIDS, as well as how it affects the body and is treated, in this article. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.