Teen Sexuality & Safe Sex
Your resource for teen sexual health
As your child enters their teens, they are likely to have questions about sexual activity. You and your teen can turn to Novant Health for resources, support and guidance to learn about safe practices to stay healthy, both physically and emotionally, as they mature.
Talking about teen sexuality
Puberty is often a time of self-discovery, when you may experience emotional peer pressure, explore your sexuality, or delve into gender role stereotypes and other behaviors. Your Novant Health pediatrician or family medicine provider can provide guidance about protections for safe sex as well as offer emotional support as you deal with changes to your body.
Avoiding sexually transmitted diseases
When you become sexually active, you could be at risk of getting a sexually transmitted infectious disease (STI). Understanding what STIs are and how you get them can help reduce your risk. Your pediatrician or provider can share the common types of STIs and ways to protect yourself.
STI prevention and protection
There are sexual protection methods available to teens who decide to have sex; however, the only sure way to prevent an STI is to practice abstinence. If you are a sexually active teen, check with your provider to understand how to have safe sex. Condoms, dental dams and other forms of contraception can reduce your risk of getting an STI and help you stay healthy.
Making smart choices
Navigating pregnancy as a teen
If you suspect you may be pregnant, taking a pregnancy test is a good first step. False positives and negatives can sometimes occur, so it's always a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider, especially if the test is positive. Your provider can determine if the test is accurate and how far along the pregnancy is. Once it's determined you’re pregnant, you should begin prenatal care as soon as possible.
Six signs of pregnancy
Teen girls often experience irregular periods. A missed period can sometimes be caused by certain types of birth control, like hormonal contraceptives, so it may not always be a sign of pregnancy. The six most common symptoms of pregnancy are:
- A missed menstrual period
- Frequent urination
- Nausea or vomiting, also known as "morning sickness," which can occur any time of day
- Sudden aversion to specific foods and smells
- Uncommon fatigue
- Unusual mood swings
Speaking with a trusted adult
Pregnancy is difficult for a teen to navigate, which is why a support system is critical. Teens need to know they can speak with a parent, guardian or other trusted adult. From scheduling medical appointments to having a shoulder to lean on, having a solid support system can make the process less overwhelming.
Finding the right birth control
A variety of birth control products are available, from pills to intrauterine devices (IUDs). Using condoms is always strongly recommended to avoid STIs, but birth control can give a teenage girl more control over your body. While not perfect, many birth control methods can be highly effective when used correctly.
Certain medications, illnesses, and other physical conditions can reduce the effectiveness of birth control. A Novant Health OB-GYN can provide information about how to find a solution that will be most effective for you.
When to start using birth control
Many teen and tween girls start taking birth control before becoming sexually active. The reasons vary, but often involve reducing the impact of extreme period symptoms or helping their health in other ways. If your teen is or may become sexually active, they should speak with their provider about birth control options. This might be the time for your daughter to establish a relationship with a Novant Health OB-GYN.
When to consult a physician
If you experience extreme or unusual symptoms related to their menstrual cycle, speak with your physician about how birth control can mitigate those symptoms. If you are having sex, ask your pediatrician or gynecologist about birth control and safe sex tips.
What is the Human Papillomavirus?
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted virus that can be acquired through genital or skin contact. HPV is one of the more common STIs and can be hard to identify. There are over 100 forms of this virus and often it has no symptoms. Certain types don't cause health problems, but others can cause cervical cancer, genital warts or other medical conditions. It can even go away on its own. Because you may not know you have the virus, you may unknowingly spread it.
Vaccines for the Human Papillomavirus
There is no cure for HPV, but two vaccines can protect against HPV: Gardasil and Cervarix. Each is designed to safeguard against different strains. Gardasil is for girls and women aged nine to 26, and Cervarix is for ages nine to 25. Gardasil can also protect males from specific health issues caused by HPV. Talk to your provider about the best time to receive your HPV vaccine.
Taking preventative steps
HPV, like many STIs, can cause severe health complications. The more you know about STIs, the more likely you can help prevent getting or spreading them. Getting the vaccine is a wise start, but protection from STIs is a lifelong goal. If you are sexually active, visit your healthcare provider regularly for checkups and learn how to follow safe sex practices.
Domestic Violence Support
If you or your child are experiencing domestic violence, you are not alone. Help is available. Talk to your provider or a trusted adult about resources, or the Domestic Abuse Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
