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    Teen FAQ

    For over 10 years, teens have been asking us questions on every topic imaginable. While we are no longer taking new questions, we have a wealth of information we would like to share with teenagers.

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    Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Talking to Parents > Daughter had sex
    Posted on: 10/16/2008

    Question

    my daughter just turn 13 on 10/01/2008. two weeks before that she had sex for the first time. i guess i'm confused, so please give me some answers on what i should do?

    Answer

    I am sorry that your daughter has begun having sex at such an early age and that you feel confused. I am glad you know and can decide how to help her, which I assume is your motivation.

    First, if she is having sex with anyone who is three years older (or more), you should report it as abuse.

    Second, assuming it is with a same-age peer, I think you need to figure out how you feel about it, and then tell her directly - that you are sad, hurt, angry, that it goes against your values, that you hope her heart does not get broken - whatever you feel.

    Third, she is very young and very at risk for sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy. So I would suggest a long talk about using a reliable method of birth control and condoms to protect herself from sexually transmitted infections. She needs to get her HPV vaccines if she has not had all three, she needs to get her first pap exam, and to start on birth control. So she may need you to help her make those appointments with her doctor or your local Planned Parenthood.

    Most importantly, no matter how you feel, please be the mom she can talk to - it will be a long road! Good luck!


    Answered By:
    Nancy Brown , Ed.S, M.A., Ph.D.


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