At a glance
- Nearly half of all new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) each year are among young people aged 15–24.
- Getting tested for STIs is important—it is the only way to know if someone has an STI and needs treatment.
- Parents can make sure their adolescent gets regular access to quality health care.
Overview
Parents are a trusted source of health information. Therefore, parents can help prepare adolescents for developing healthy relationships and navigating challenges that may lie ahead.
Did you know?
Why it's important
Each year, nearly half of all new STIs are among young people aged 15–24. Many STIs don't cause any symptoms, so the only way to know for sure if you have an STI is to get tested.
Some curable STIs can be dangerous if they aren't treated. For example, if left untreated, chlamydia and gonorrhea can make it difficult—or impossible—for a woman to get pregnant later in life. And if you have an untreated STI, the chances of getting HIV increases. Some STIs, like HIV, can be fatal if left untreated.
See Also
Types of STIs testing
Encourage your adolescent to talk openly and honestly with their provider about their sexual history and STI testing so they can determine what is best for them. A health care provider can help:
- Determine if STI testing is recommended for your adolescent.
- Determine which STI tests are most appropriate.
- Offer more information about each type of test.
There are several recommendations for STI testing. To learn more about STI testing recommendations visit CDC's webpages on Getting Tested for STIs and STI Screening Recommendations.
Where adolescents can receive STI testing
STI testing is typically available from health care providers and at select outreach events. Your teen's school may also provide testing on site, or resources for finding testing locations.
This STI Testing Locator provides nearby testing locations, including those that offer free or low-cost services.
STI Testing Locator
Steps parents can take to help their adolescents
Action steps here help parents make sure their adolescent receives the best sexual and reproductive health care possible.
You play an important role in helping your adolescent regularly access quality health care. For example, you can help:
- Find a health care provider your adolescent feels comfortable with.
- Schedule appointments and provide transportation to the clinic.
- Fill prescriptions and help your adolescent take medications correctly.
Talking about sex, relationships, and the prevention of HIV, STIs, and pregnancy may not always be comfortable or easy. But you can encourage your teen to ask questions. Be prepared to give fair and honest answers. This will help keep open communication.
- Tell your teen that the decision to be sexually active comes with the responsibility to keep yourself and your partner safe. Some young people may decide to postpone becoming sexually active until they feel ready to handle this responsibility.
- Note the range of health services your teen should discuss or receive when they go to the doctor. Also explain why the health services are important. Make sure your teen knows the importance of STI testing, as well.
It's important that adolescents have opportunities to seek health care with some independence—to be prepared to continue this practice in adulthood. As a first step, your adolescent should routinely have one-to-one time with their provider (while you step out of the room).
- Let your adolescent know early that, as they get older, they will have one-to-one time with their provider. This helps them prepare to ask questions and talk openly and honestly.
- Encourage them to ask about sexual and reproductive health services when they have one-to-one time with their provider.
As your adolescent gets older, they may go to the doctor and make decisions about services, like STI testing, on their own. Adolescents can consent to STI testing in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. However, there is some variation in the age at which this is allowed.
Prepare yourself for these transitions, which are a normal part of adolescent development. By doing so, you can help make the transitions easier for both of you and your adolescent.
Be aware of the quality of the health information your adolescent is receiving from school, friends, online, or other sources. Your adolescent may not be receiving complete or accurate information from all of these sources. Be available to answer any questions that they have. The more you know about health topics, the easier it will be to talk with your adolescent about them.
You and your adolescent's health care provider can work together as a team with a shared goal: improving your adolescent's health.
- You can let the health care provider know that you are supportive of your adolescent receiving recommended health services. Note that these include services for preventing HIV, STIs, and unintended pregnancy.
- You can ask your adolescent's health care provider to explain more about services that you're less familiar with.
Resources are available to help you take these action steps. For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics has a website, Healthy Children, that includes information for parents about adolescent health services.
Also, CDC has information to help parents talk with their teen and support one-to-one time between teens and their health providers.