I Think My Teen Is Sexually Active: What Steps Should I Take As a Parent?

Did you know that by age 19, research shows that at least 42% of teen girls are sexually active? At Alpenglow Gynecology in Littleton, Colorado, we know that navigating sensitive topics as a parent can be challenging — especially when it comes to your teen’s sex life!

The good news is that there are steps you can take when you suspect your teen is sexually active to keep them healthy and well. Our compassionate board-certified provider Rickie Guida specializes in teen gynecology, helping young women understand their gynecologic and sexual health with trustworthy information and high-quality medical care.  

That’s why our team put together this informative guide. Keep reading to learn what you should do if you think your teen is sexually active. 

Start with open communication

Even though it may make you uncomfortable, open communication is key when talking to your teen about their sexual activity. This helps build a foundation of trust, making it more likely that your teen will come to you when they need help or information about sensitive topics. 

This is a great time to share your values and beliefs without being judgmental. You can explain your expectations about personal health and safety. By staying involved and showing you care about your teen’s welfare, you can build a stronger relationship together. 

Be sure to give your teen time and space to think through answers during the discussion. And don’t forget to make the conversation a dialogue, giving your teen a chance to ask you questions. 

Focus on healthy relationships and consent

Addressing sexual activity should involve talking to your teen about the importance of consent and what healthy relationships look like. Talk to your teen about the meaning of consent, their personal boundaries, and how mutual respect plays a role in intimate relationships. 

By emphasizing the importance of communication, trust, and helping your teen recognize the warning signs of unhealthy relationships, you better ensure their overall health, safety, and happiness.

Don’t avoid tackling difficult topics

As a parent, it's important to educate yourself about sexual health, contraception methods, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Understanding the facts about these topics ensures you can give accurate information to your teen and correct any misconceptions they may have. 

When you take on difficult topics, be sure that you’re coming from a place of love and commitment to their wellbeing rather than judgment or fear. 

It’s important your daughter has accurate information about contraception and protection against STIs. Reviewing the many different choices, including birth control pills, condoms, and long-acting reversible contraceptives, like IUDs, helps them better understand their options. 

It’s also crucial to encourage your teen to put their sexual health first with regular STI testing — especially for young women. Many STIs are asymptomatic in the early stages in women, and getting tested is the only way to know if they’ve been infected. 

Seek out expert advice

Many parents are relieved to realize they don't have to tackle difficult topics alone. Your daughter can visit Rickie for a teen gynecology appointment, which isn’t about getting a Pap smear or pelvic exam. 

Instead, these initial appointments are a time for your daughter to ask questions about topics related to puberty, menstruation, breast health, mood changes, period problems, sexual activity, and other topics important to teens, like diet, exercise, drugs, and alcohol. 

For personalized help in talking to your teen about sexual activity, schedule an appointment online or over the phone with Rickie at Alpenglow Gynecology in Littleton, Colorado.