Parents

Parents and sexual health

Although parenting can be fun and incredibly rewarding, it isn’t always easy. Talking about sexual health and the risks associated with it can be difficult, or at the very least uncomfortable. That’s why we here to arm you with facts and prevention techniques so there’s never a question you can’t answer. Even if you don’t think your child is sexually active, it is important to give them access to as much information regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other sexual health topics as you can. As uncomfortable as this may be for both of you, your child will thank you.

A baby with light brown hair and a white onesie crawls on a carpet toward the camera.

Teens and young adults are at higher risk

Did you know 15–24 year olds account for half of all new STI infections? Teens and young adults have unique circumstances that put them at a higher risk.

Utah STI statistics

Chlamydia is still the leading STI in Utah and throughout the U.S.
In 2023, 10,944 cases of chlamydia were reported in Utah and 55% of those cases were among people between the ages of 15 and 24.
Gonorrhea is the second most reported STI in Utah, 2,638 cases were reported in 2023.
Young women are more likely to be diagnosed with chlamydia than young men. This is because chlamydia infections often have no symptoms and are diagnosed at routine screenings recommended for young women.¹

Educating your child

Education is the first and most important step of prevention. Seizing the opportunity to talk to your children about sexual health is invaluable. Do your research, familiarize yourself with this information, and talk to your kids about gonorrhea, chlamydia, and other STIs.

Talk to your teens about sex

National STD curriculum

Additional topics to discuss

Questions and answers

Untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea infections can cause serious and permanent health problems in both women and men. In women, the damage caused by the STIs can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and potentially fatal ectopic pregnancies (a pregnancy outside the uterus). In men, infection sometimes spreads to the epididymis (ducts attached to the testicles where sperm mature and are stored) causing pain, fever, and rarely, sterility. To learn more go to the “Risks” link on the home page.

References

1. Utah Department of Health and Human Services 2023 STI surveillance update

FAQs