- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- twins today articles
- twins today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Sexual Health – Guy Style
Preparing Your Son for His First Exam
By Tamekia Reece
When it comes to sexual health for teens, it's quite easy for girls to find information on their first gynecological exam, but that same information is nearly nonexistent for guys. Just for you and your son, here's what he can expect during his first sexual health exam and how you can help.
During the adolescent years when hormones are raging and teens become more and more curious about sex, sexual health screenings can mean the difference between life and death. As soon as you start to see signs of sexual experimentation in your son, talk with him about scheduling an appointment. If you don't know for sure whether he's sexually active, let him know you're not accusing him but think he's at the right age to start having these exams.
Be prepared to hear him say he doesn't need one because he knows he doesn't have a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or because his girlfriend goes to the gynecologist and handles all of that. One out of four teens contracts an STD each year, and guys can't depend on girlfriends, friends or whoever to tell them when something's wrong. Sometimes the other people involved don't know or are too embarrassed to tell. That's why sexual health exams are important. Whether you have to talk your son into it, schedule him an appointment, or if he takes the initiative to schedule his own, be supportive. Taking care of himself sexually is one of the first steps in becoming a responsible young man.