If you are nervous or anxious about talking to your parents about sex and your sexual health, they are feeling ten times more than you do. They know that as teenagers and young adults, your hormones are in overdrive which can provoke you to experiment sexually ? unprotected. They worry about unsafe sex, unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, and infections. Ease your parents' worries by broaching the topic, for your health and their peace of mind.



What's in it for you?

You may think that talking to your parents about sex at this point may put you in trouble. But contrary to popular belief, you can save yourself from a lot of trouble later on if you put in the effort to start the talk now. Below are some key advantages of talking to your parents about sex and starting birth control:

* You get good advice from people who have been in the same situation before AND truly care for your well-being.

* You show your parents that you are responsible and can be trusted about sexual matters.

* You increase your parents' trust in your decision-making skills.

* You get valuable support in seeking safer sex information and looking for a gynecologist or clinician.

How to start the talk?

Before gaining the advantages mentioned above, you first have to start the talk. How to go about it? Here are some tips on broaching the subject:

1. Schedule the talk in advance. Give your parents a heads-up about wanting to talk. You do not have to say what is it about but you can do so if you want. Ask if they have time for a private talk and indicate a time and place.

2. Pick a jump-off point. A good way to start the conversation is by being clear on what is it about and what role both parties play in the talk. Indicate that you want to be responsible for your sexual choices but still want their advice. This way, they feel that you trust them and show that they can trust you as well.

3. Do your homework. Prior to talking with your parents, brush up on your knowledge about sex and sexual health. This way, your parents will be comforted by the thought that you are not completely clueless. You can also clarify confusing ideas during the talk.

What to talk to your parents about?

Sex and sexual health are both broad and general subjects. Keep your talk with your parents focused on what you need to know right now. Below are some suggestions you can include in your talk:

* Maturity needed for sex. Having sex is not just a physical thing. It involves feelings and responsibilities as well. Even if you feel that you are ready for it, ask your parents' opinion whether you are mature enough for sex.

* Risks involved in sex. Sex involves a lot of risks. These risks often include emotional distress, unplanned pregnancies, and sexually transmitted diseases and infections. The more you know about these risks, the better are the decisions you will make.

* Safe sex. Sex may involve a lot of risks but there are ways you can keep yourself safe apart from abstinence. Condoms and birth control pills are just two of the many ways you can protect yourself. Ask your parents for more information on safe sex and ask them to go with you to a Planned Parenthood clinic.