1. TOOLS FOR FAMILIES TO
DISCUSS SEXUAL HEALTH
Nursing 810
Currier Neily
Amanda Cornelissen

2. The goal of this presentation is to start a
conversation between you and your
teenager about sexual health

3. The beginning of this presentation is
intended for parents, there is a slide that
points out the point at which your teen
should be invited to join you in watching.

4. Why is sex ed important?

5.  “The United States ranks first among
developed nations in rates of both teenage
pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.”
(Stanger-Hall & Hall, 2011, p.1)

6. Let’s be honest…
50% of high school students report
being sexually active
40% of these students did not use
condoms during their last sexual
encounter
76% of students report using no
contraceptive methods at all

7. What about teaching
abstinence?

8.  The US is one of few developed nations
that has long supported abstinence-only
education initiatives

9. www.churchoftherock.ca -

10.  “…abstinence-only education as a state policy
is ineffective in preventing teenage
pregnancy and may actually be contributing to
the high teenage pregnancy rates in the U.S.”
(Stanger-Hall & Hall, 2011, p.1)

11.  But what about “virginity pledges?”
 Studies suggest that 60% have broken their vows
within 6 years.
 Pledgers may begin vaginal intercourse at a later
age, but are more likely to engage in oral or
anal sex than non-pledgers.
 Pledgers are also less likely to use any form of
contraception during their first sexual encounter

12.  Where does “abstinence only until marriage”
leave teens who identify as lesbian, gay,
bisexual or transgendered?

13. THINK ABOUT IT
Parent Discussion

14.  What are your feelings about sex and
sexuality?
 Are you comfortable discussing sex and your own
sexuality?

15.  How do you want your children to experience
their sexuality?
 Do you want them to be in “love”?
 Is it important that they wait until marriage?
 Do you want them to be in a committed, long-term
relationship first?
 Are you open to discussions about
homosexuality, bisexuality or transgender issues?

16. http://www.feroniaproject.org/fun-friday-sex-ed-

17. How do I bring it up?

18. Tips for Discussion
 The right moment might be when the topic
comes up – in conversation, on TV, etc.
 Be honest
 Acknowledge that the subject is uncomfortable
 If you don’t know the answer to a question, offer
to look it up

19.  Be direct and explain the risks
 Consider your teen’s point of view
 Discuss values and feelings
 Encourage your son or daughter to continue to
come to you with questions and concerns

20. Invite your teen
 If appropriate, invite your teen to watch the
rest of the presentation with you
 Otherwise, use the information on the
following slides to start your discussion when
the time is right

21. THINK ABOUT IT
Family Discussion

22.  Studies show that positive family relationships
and open discussion about sex can influence a
teen to delay sexual activity as well as having
them become more responsible once they are
sexually active.

23.  How does your teen define sex?
 How does your teen hope to experience
his/her sexuality?

24. Defining Sex
 There is no one correct definition of “sex.”
 Dictionaries can’t even agree…
 Sexual intercourse= any physical contact
between two individuals involving stimulation of
the genital organs of at least one.
(freedictionary.com)
 OR
 Sexual intercourse= an act carried out for
procreation or pleasure in which, typically, the
insertion of the male’s penis into the female’s
vagina. (Collin’s dictionary)

25.  Its important for you as a family to have your
own definitions of sex.
 Do you mean penis-vagina penetration?
 Does oral sex or mutual masturbation count?
 What about anal sex?

26.  What are your goals as a family?
 Is it to delay sex until marriage?
 Is your goal to be “in love” before you have sex?
 Is it to delay sex until a certain age or stage
(ex/out of high school)
 Do you want to avoid pregnancy?
 What about Sexually Transmitted Infections?

27. Consequences of Sex

28. Recognizing an Unhealthy
Relationship
 Alcohol or drug use
 Avoidance of friends and social events
 Excusing their dating partner's behavior
 Fearfulness around their dating partner
 Loss of interest in school or activities that were
once enjoyable
 Suspicious bruises, scratches or other injuries

29. Teen Pregnancy
How would it affect YOUR life?

30. Teenaged Mothers
 3 out of 10 females will become pregnant at
least once before the age of 20.
 Only 1/3 of teen mothers will complete High
School and receive a diploma

31.  Only 30% of teen moms report receiving any
form of child support from their child’s father
 Many report less than $800 per year.
 Greater than 25% of all teen mothers live in
poverty.

32. Teen Fathers
 1 out of 15 males will become fathers before
their 20th birthday.
 Almost 50% will have another child between
the ages of 22-24 years of age.
 Teen fathers are likely to have lower levels of
education leading to lower income.

33. Sexually Transmitted Infections
(STIs)

34. STI’s- The scary truth
 Teens are at an increased risk to contract an
STI because they are more likely to have
unprotected sex and multiple partners.
 50% of all new STI cases each year occur in
teens
 1 out of every 2 people who are sexually
active will have an STI by age 25

35. Warning – Graphic Content!
 For further descriptions and pictures of
common STIs use this link:
 Http://www.cdc.gov/std/training/picturecards-warning.htm

36. Testing
 STIs can be spread through any sexual
contact.
 Yes! you can get an STI from oral sex, penis-
vaginal sex and anal sex.
 Most teens do not even know they have an
STI
 Less than 50% of those under the age of 30
reported being tested for an STI other than
HIV.

37. What Can I Do?
 Get tested!
 Use protection
 Make sure all of your partners get tested.

38. Contraception
 Oh so many options…

39. *With proper use

40. *With proper use

41. How do I decide?
 Talk to your partner about your plan for
contraception
 Make a plan, both of you should be involved
 Have a conversation with your healthcare
professional about contraception options

43. References
CDC. 2013. Sexual Risk Behavior: HIV, STD, & Teen Pregnancy Prevention. Retrieved from
http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/sexualbehaviors/
Commendador, K.A., (2010). Parental influences on adolescent decision making and contraceptive use. Pediatric
Nursing, 36, 147-70.
Foster, L.R., Byers, E.S., & Sears, H.A. (2011). Middle school students’ perceptions of the quality of the sexual health
education received from their parents. The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 20(3), 55-65.
Kesterton, D. & Coleman, L. (201). Speakeasy: a UK-wide initiative raising parents’ confidence and ability to talk
about sex and relationships with their children. Sex Education, 10(4), 437-448.
Manlove, J. Ikramullah, E., Minicieli, L., Holcombe, E., & Danish, S. (2009) Trends in sexual experience, contraceptive
use, and teenage childbearing: 1992-2002. Journal of Adolescent Health, 44, 413-423
Mayo Clinic. 2011. Sex Education: Talking to your teen about sex. Retrieved from
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sex-education/CC00032
Sexually transmitted disease guidelines. 2010. (2010). MMWR Recommendations and Reports, 59 (RR-12). 1-110.
Stanger-Hall, K.F., Hall, D.W. (2011). Abstinence-Only Education and Teen Pregnancy Rates: Why We Need
Comprehensive Sex Education in the U.S. PLoS ONE, 6(10), 1-11. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0024658
Vital Signs. Teen pregnancy- United States. 1991-2009. (2011). MMWR: Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report, 60(13),
414-420.