5. Always use protection.
Until you’ve seen a person’s recent test results you can’t be sure of their sexual health status. STDs don’t always show symptoms so it is important to stress the importance of using protection during sex to protect against infections and unwanted pregnancy. Give your child a lesson on how to apply condoms correctly (STD transmission and unwanted pregnancy can result from improper application of condoms and the use of the incorrect size). Even go as far as giving your young adult condoms to use while away. A child’s sexual health maintenance first begins with the guidance of positive role models.
6. Take advantage of on campus clinic.
It is extremely important to urge your children to use the assistance of on campus health care in the case of sexual health issues. The emergence of a rash in sexual areas, the contraction of an STI, the possibility of pregnancy, sexual assault and rape are issues that can be handled by trained professionals at college-campus clinics. Encourage your children to entrust the staff on campus with their sexual health needs.
7. Create a buddy system.
Young women especially can benefit from creating buddy systems for moments of overzealous partying that may end up with one being incoherent. Suggest the idea of creating a circle of friends that will attend parties and social functions together to watch after one another and hold each other accountable for healthy behavior. This is a great way to prevent young ladies from being taken advantage of.
Sometimes parents assume young adults know these basics about sex and sexual health, but these facts aren’t always so apparent. Be the sexual health leader your child needs and give them these rundowns before sending them off to gain a broader education.
Glamazon Tyomi is a freelance writer, model and sex educator with a deeply rooted passion for spreading the message of sex positivity and encouraging the masses to embrace their sexuality. Her website, www.sexperttyomi.com, reaches internationally as a source for advice and information for the sexually active/curious. Follow her on Twitter at @glamazontyomi and the all-new “Glamazon Tyomi’s Sex Academy” radio show here.