Sexual promiscuity in teens is a topic that nearly every parent would probably rather avoid than confront. However, this issue is very real and very serious, and it is important for parents to bravely face the issue rather than turning a blind eye, which could result in dire consequences.
If you suspect that your teenager could be sexually promiscuous, you should make every effort to understand the issue before deciding on the best course of action. It is important to note that, in spite of society’s acceptance of sexual promiscuity in males while simultaneously shunning sexually promiscuous females, teens of either gender (and adults, for that matter) are at equal risk of developing many of the physical and emotional problems associated with sexual promiscuity.
The consequences of sexual promiscuity can be serious.
Sexually promiscuous teenagers put themselves at risk for a number of potentially destructive outcomes. Sexually transmitted diseases and infections, for example, are rampant among teens who engage in risky sexual activity. The more partners a sexually promiscuous teenager takes, the more likely they are to contract one of these diseases or infections.
These sexually transmitted illnesses are nothing to take lightly. According to the CDC, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the sixth leading cause of death among young people aged 15-24 years old in the United States. Other sexually transmitted diseases might seem less dangerous, but even certain infections have been known to contribute to infertility. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has even been linked to cervical cancer in teenage girls. An estimated 3 million cases of sexually transmitted diseases and infections are reported among teenagers every year, so the odds of your child contracting one of these illnesses are relatively high if their sexual promiscuity pushes them to engage in risky sexual behavior.
Another obvious side effect of sexual promiscuity is the possibility of pregnancy. The responsibility of having and caring for a child is something that no teenager – whether male or female – is adequately prepared to face. Pregnant teens that then choose abortion as the silent way out find themselves down the road struggling with the burden of guilt for a decision made lightly long ago.
Even if your teen does not end up pregnant or infected with a sexually transmitted disease, sexual promiscuity impacts teens’ delicate emotional and mental development processes in ways that are not yet fully understood. Sexual activity is very much an adult choice, a choice that many teenagers are simply not prepared to make.
If you suspect that your teen could be sexually promiscuous or could be engaging in risky sexual behavior, it is important that you address the issue as soon as possible. Remember, regardless of your child’s age, your suspicions are there for a reason, so do not ignore them. The discussion with your teen will probably be uncomfortable, but if it stops them from continuing this dangerous behavior, then the positive outcome is well worth the discomfort you’ll feel during the talk. Remember that in many cases, professional help is a viable option that could solve many of the issues that you yourself are not qualified to address.
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