Anticipatory Guidance on Sex and Sexuality for the Adolescent

BRIGHT FUTURES TOOL FOR PROFESSIONALS

■ Encourage adolescents to identify a support- ■ Stress to adolescents that if they are engaging ive adult who can provide accurate informa- in sexual activity (i.e., oral sex, anal sex, tion about sex. vaginal sex) they should ask the health pro- ■ Make adolescents feel comfortable asking fessional for an examination and a discus- questions about physical changes during sion of methods for preventing pregnancy puberty, including variations they may and STDs. Adolescents need to learn how to notice from individual to individual. negotiate safer sex and how to share feelings about sexuality with their partners. ■ Assist adolescents in asking questions or getting information in an effort to educate ■ Emphasize to adolescents that they should themselves about preventing pregnancy practice safer sex by limiting the number of and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) partners they have and by using latex con- and how to use different contraceptive doms and other barriers correctly. methods. Demonstrate and explain correct condom use with a model or illustration. ■ Acknowledge to adolescents that romantic and sexual feelings are normal. Discuss with ■ Let adolescents know that if they are con- adolescents that having sex should be fused or concerned about their sexual feel- delayed until they are mature enough to ings (for the same or the opposite sex), they assume responsibility for sexual relations; the can and should talk to a trusted adult or a decision to have sex should be well thought health professional. out. Adolescents should not have sex if they do not want to. See also ■ Emphasize that the safest way to prevent Tool for Families: Talking to Your Teen About pregnancy and STDs, including HIV infec- Sex and Sexuality, p. 127; tion/AIDS, is to not have sexual inter- Tool for Families: Where to Find Resources course. on Adolescent Sexuality, p. 129; ■ Encourage adolescents to learn ways to say Tool for Families: Teen Dating Violence, p. “no” to sexual intercourse and to avoid situ- 130. ations that may increase pressure to engage in intercourse (e.g., using alcohol or drugs, attending unsupervised parties).

Source: Adapted, with permission, from Green M, Palfrey JS, eds. 2000. Bright Futures: Guidelines for Health Supervision of Infants, Children, and Adolescents (2nd ed.). Arlington, VA: National Center for Education in Maternal and Child Health.