Parents

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.

Education for parents

A one hour virtual course titled “It’s that easy” is offered to Utah parents at no cost and is designed to help parents learn how to incorporate conversations about sexual health into their families. Participants will get a variety of tools to help them connect with their children, share their family’s values, and engage in meaningful conversations about sex, sexuality, and relationships.

View our available classes here!

A text graphic with yellow green and purple boxes and the text saying: It's that easy

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. Take a moment to review theopens in a new tab CDC fact sheet: information for teens and young adults to learn more about the unique risks faced by this population.

Utah STI statistics

Chlamydia continues to be the leading STI in Utah and throughout the U.S.
In 2021, 11,228 cases of chlamydia were reported and 58% of these cases were among persons between 15 and 24 years of age.
Though much less common than chlamydia infections, gonorrhea continues to rapidly increase in Utah from 81 cases out of 100,000 people in 2017 to 109 cases out of 100,000 in 2021.
From 2012-2021, gonorrhea rates in females increased 697% compared to 482% among males during these same years.

A bar graph illustrating Gonorrhea by age and sex in Utah, 2021

A bar graph illustrating Chlamydia by age and sex in Utah, 2021

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 you teens about sex

National STD curriculum

Additional topics to discuss

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.

FAQs