[rph3664]

A huge percentage of teen sexual activity is catalyzed by drugs and/or alcohol. If you could do something about the parents who provide it, that would reduce the rate of teen pregnancies and STDs by a LOT.

[Spidey's mom]

Originally Posted by rph3664

A huge percentage of teen sexual activity is catalyzed by drugs and/or alcohol. If you could do something about the parents who provide it, that would reduce the rate of teen pregnancies and STDs by a LOT.

This is an excellent point!!


steph

[rph3664]

Originally Posted by stevielynn

This is an excellent point!!


steph

Thanks. I'm quite aware that a huge percentage of them are supplied by older siblings and their friends, which isn't right either, but when PARENTS buy for the kids, that's just wrong. I'm not talking about kids sneaking booze out of the refrigerator or liquor cabinet; I'm talking about - well, you know.

[peaches5809]

I think this study was a bit faulty....only because it tested such a small amount of young women and has broadcasted the results as factual.

It says 1 in 4 of the black female teens *tested* had one... and the total sample size of the study was 838 women *total*... and how many of that 838 were black was not noted in the article.
I don't deny that black young women have STD's what I doubt is that 1 in 4 of all black teens have an STD. If you have four daughters - that means one of your daughters has an STD.

I'm not denying that our young people have unprotected sex. I am denying that it's actually 1 in 4 of the black young woman population....

My stats professor broke this article down...and although I may not agree with the delivery - the speaking on the stats was dead on to what my stats professor stated. He used this article to discuss how the manipulation of statistics can make one say one thing and it actually mean another.

Did you happen to note the study consisted of a total of 838 women and how many of that group were black was not noted? There are, BTW, slightly over 21 million teenage women per the latest census estimates... keep that in mind... 838 out of 21 million+. Did you happen to note that the article states the findings of the study were that 1 in 4 of the black teenage women participating in the study and tested had an STD... which is not even close to the same as saying 50% of all black teenage women have an STD. The study includes HPV (human papilloma virus, which causes genital warts, pap smear abnormalities and in a small number of cases, cervical cancer). I remember hearing
of another study years ago that found about 60% of American female college students had the virus - and that was a general study, not quoting figures in particular groups. I know that once HPV is "got" it's got for life. I am not speaking to that.

I am speaking to faulty statistical analysis that was used in this study. You may have good information to spread...but if it is found out that your statistics are faulty/fabricated/misconstrued then it will throw the validity of what you are speaking as "truth".

Again.

I do not doubt that the numbers of youth with STD's are on the rise.

I just think this study should have taken into consideration how this would look to an AA.

[lunatuna1114]

Related to this...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23782717/

I am currently writing an ethics paper on the subject of abstinence-only versus comprehensive sex-ed (abstinence plus other prevention methods).

It'd be nice if warning kids they'll get pregnant and sick would deter them from expressing their sexuality in risky ways, but it doesn't seem to work that way.

Teaching them ways to protect themselves when they eventually do make the decision to "get down" is probably a better way to help them out.

I've been researching both sides all day. The abstinence-only proponents have not done a good job of backing themselves up with science; they rely mostly on values that do not reflect the reality of young peoples' decisions in the moment.

A part of abstinence-only education that would be good to carry over into comprehensive sex-ed is the idea of having kids setting goals, thinking ahead, trying to picture the kind of adult they want to be, and then plan how they can get there. "Values reflection" is something that I was only introduced to in college, and that was only when I got into nursing school. It would behoove society to start a little younger with values.

[lainith]

Only ONE in four? Color me surprised.

[Spidey's mom]

I posted this on another thread - I think the questions promote a good conversation . . . . (others had problems with the religious overtones but I think you could tweek those if you wish).

Our local women's health NP gives teens this questionnaire to fill out when they come in for birth control.

Ask Yourself These Questions

Here are some questions to think about. They will help you decide whether teen sex has a place in your life and your goals.

1. How would I feel about having to choose between abortion, adoption or raising a child?

2. Am I ready to give up my freedom to parent a child?

3. Can I afford to raise and support a child?

4. What if I had to pay hundreds of dollars every month in child support until I am middle-aged?

5. If my partner and I were faced with an unplanned pregnancy, how would our relationship be affected? How would our families be affected?

6. How would my education and chance at a good career be affected by a pregnancy?

7. If I got a sexually transmitted disease, what would happen to my health? How would I feel about myself?

8. If I began having sex with my partner, and they walked out on the relationship, how would I be affected? What if this happened several times - as it does to most sexually active teens?

9. Deep in my heart and mind, do I think having sex as a teenager is right, wrong, moral or immoral?

10. Is there something special about my virginity?

11. Do I "live for the moment" without thinking of how my behavior might hurt me or another person later on or do I carefully consider the consequences of my actions?

12. Do I believe that sex should take place only with a serious, long-term commitment from both partners?

13. Do I assume that a sexual relationship will create a long-term commitment?

14. How can I live my life now in order to give myself the best possible chance for a successful future?


steph

[ChristineN]

They told us about this in OB class. They stated that for African American young ladies that rate was 1 in 2 had STD's.

[rnmomtobe2010]

I wanted to know from a man's point of view why is it hard for some men to use condoms, so I asked my ex-husband. He gave the answer I expected and I wasn't surprised when he said "it feels better without one"!! My next question to him(because I know he sleeps with anything and anyone) do you care if you get a disease of any kind and his response was "I am stocked up on penicillin and that if anyone was to be considered nasty, it would be the female".

That is the saddest thing I have ever heard. I have a daughter as well as a son and I really try and teach them about things like this. I love my mother dearly, but we NEVER had conversations about sex and there it is more to sex than just pleasure for that moment.

I really wish I would have had a more open relationship with my mother about the subject, but she was always a mother and did not know how to be a "friend" so to speak. My son is only six, but when he gets to that age, he will know enough about protecting himself until he could be a sex ed teacher. This stuff should start at home and if you aren't being taught, how will you know? When that child gets pregnant or gets a disease, whether male or female, then the lecture starts when all of this could have been avoided.

To all parents: Talk to your children. Don't be afraid. If you are a parent like me who isn't afraid and lays everything out on the table, way to go. I also teach my kids street terms so they won't be fooled when approached about anything. They also know what terms to use appropriately. My mother was against this method until I explained to her why I taught them that. They don't go around saying those words, just in case they hear the words from anyone, they will know the meaning and I can take action.

Good luck parents!!!

[rph3664]

Rnmom, did you ask your husband those questions before you married him, or afterwards? And why did you marry someone like this and have two kids with him? (rph3664 puts on a flameproof suit)

Ever seen a female condom? When I did, it gave me plenty of insight as to why a lot of men don't like condoms.