To say that having the dreaded sex talk with teens is difficult is an understatement. There isn’t any parent that looks forward to it. However, even in today’s condom-educated world, it remains an important one especially since many sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise.

In Michigan, Kalamazoo County was second to Detroit in the number of cases of Chlamydia and gonorrhea. Both are STDs that if left untreated can cause infertility in both men and women. However, the real alarming statistic with the issue in Kalamazoo County is that many of the affected people are teens.

According to a screening done at a local high school in Kalamazoo, one out of 15 seniors tested positive for Chlamydia or gonorrhea. One way the district is seeking to solve the problem is by educating teens on STDs including prevention with condom use as well as the importance of getting tested if they are sexually active.

As difficult as the “talk” can be, it’s vital that teens understand that unprotected sex exposes them to STDs. If privacy is a concern when it comes to getting tested, Confilabs offers quick, accurate and confidential testing for STDs.

As a parent, have the ‘talk’ before testing becomes an issue. It may be embarrassing, but there are resources such as books and websites to help you get through it.

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