When it comes to chatting with your children about sex, a startling new study suggests that sooner may be better than later.
According to a recent CNN article, at least one in four teenage girls has a sexually transmitted disease. Of the national study, it said:
A virus that causes cervical cancer is by far the most common sexually transmitted infection in teen girls aged 14 to 19, while the highest overall prevalence is among black girls -- nearly half the blacks studied had at least one STD. That rate compared with 20 percent among both whites and Mexican-American teens, the study from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found.
To learn about prevention, read more.
Many teens don't believe they are at risk, but STDs can lead to infertility, cancer and even death. Screening, vaccination and education are prevention strategies. And since kids grow up in an instant, as a parent it's important to have a plan.
Does discussing sex with your children make you uncomfortable?