Read: 2588
Parents play a pivotal role in helping adolescents develop into healthy and fulfilled adults. They are a trusted source of health information, that can mitigate risky behaviors and prepare them for responsible relationships.
Regular communication with your adolescent, pred with awareness about their social circles and activities, helps reduce unhealthy practices. Most adolescents share discussions on health topics with parents, including sexual and reproductive wellness.
In order to facilitate these conversations, it is crucial for parents to have knowledge about pregnancy prevention methods and sexually transmitted diseases STDs, including HIV. This understanding enables a supportive environment that encourages open dialogue about these vital issues.
Moreover, young people engaging in sexual activity are at risk of acquiring an STD. Shockingly, approximately half of all new STD cases each year occur among individuals aged 15 to 24 years old, and roughly one in four sexually active adolescent females is estimated to have an STD such as chlamydia or HPV.
Many young people remn unaware they're infected due to the lack of symptoms associated with some STDs. For comprehensive information about STDs, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s CDC website on Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
To protect themselves from STDs, sexually active individuals can take preventive measures including consistent and correct condom usage and receiving regular testing. It is imperative to recognize that getting tested serves as the only method to confirm an STD diagnosis and necessitates prompt treatment if found positive.
Parents are encouraged to take proactive steps in ensuring their adolescent receives optimal sexual and reproductive health care by familiarizing themselves with recommed screening guidelines.
Why should adolescents undergo STD testing?
Many STDs manifest without symptoms, rering self-diagnosis impossible. Untreated infections can pose serious threats; for instance, untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea could hinder fertility later on in life for women, while the risk of contracting HIV if infected with an STD increases. Some STDs, such as HIV, can be fatal when left unatted.
GYT: Get Yourself Tested is a youth empowerment campgn specifically designed to encourage young people to undergo testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases at school settings.
Recommedations:
A healthcare provider can help determine the necessity of STD testing for your adolescent and which types of tests are most suitable. Information on each test will also be provided by them.
For sexually active adolescent females younger than age 25, routine chlamydia screening is recommed annually. Sexually active males younger than 25 years in areas with a high number of male STD cases should also undergo annual testing. Men older than 13 years who have sex with men should be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea every year.
Routine syphilis screening is suggested for men aged 13 years or older who engage in same-sex sexual activities.
All individuals aged 13 to 25 years, regardless of their sexual orientation, should undergo annual HIV testing. Others at a higher risk may also need testing based on advice from healthcare providers.
Pregnant women:
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV should be tested during the first prenatal visit. For men who have sex with men or are at high risk of syphilis transmission or test positive in the first trimester, retesting before delivery is recommed. For HIV-infected pregnant women at high-risk of acquiring HIV infection, a third-trimester repeat testing is advised.
STD testing locations:
Screening for STDs can be offered by healthcare providers and at specific outreach events. Your adolescent's school may provide on-site testing or information on nearby testing centers. Use the CDC’s STD Testing Locator to find nearby testing locations that offer free or low-cost services.
Steps parents can take:
Support healthcare-seeking behavior and ensure follow-ups.
Engage in open discussions with your adolescent about health matters.
Prepare for your adolescent's eventual indepence by teaching them about safe practices and responsible decision-making.
Stay informed on adolescent health issues, including STDs and contraception options.
Collaborate with your adolescent's healthcare provider to receive guidance tlored to their needs.
Seek out educational resources on sexual wellness and health.
References:
Most recent review date: June 22, 2020
Source: Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Social Media Links:
Snapchat
U.S. Department of Health Services
Accessibility Information
External Link Policy
Privacy Policy
No Fear Act Policy
FOIA Guidelines
Nondiscrimination Statement
Office of Inspector General
Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
Public Health Publications
USA.gov
This article is reproduced from: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/healthservices/infobriefs/std_testing_information.htm
Please indicate when reprinting from: https://www.lp61.com/STD_hospital/Parent_Guidance_on_Adolescent_Health_Care.html
Parent Role in Adolescent Health Development STD Awareness for Adolescents and Parents Comprehensive Sex Education for Youth Youth Empowerment Campaigns: GYT Regular STD Testing Recommendations Adolescent Fertility Risk Management