I still remember my first kiss at thirteen. My crush, Jake, lived nearby and would timidly knock on my door, asking if I wanted to take a stroll after school. We’d wander the peaceful streets of our suburban neighborhood, hand in hand, chatting about the trivial matters that preoccupy teenagers. Every moment felt secretive, as if we were partaking in something forbidden, yet our entire “relationship” was built around our shared enthusiasm for rock bands like Def Leppard.
One autumn afternoon, he unexpectedly stopped in the middle of the street and kissed me. Our braces clicked together, and I caught a whiff of his overzealous Binaca breath spray. I was surprised but leaned in, savoring the closeness and warmth of that October sun. Of course, I wished I had a better grasp of kissing.
Fast forward to today, my son is approaching his own version of thirteen, and the reality of his emerging teenage years is hitting me hard. The inevitability of his first kiss is looming, and whether I like it or not, he will soon begin to explore his own sexual identity. As a parent, it’s my responsibility to ensure he is equipped to handle the realities of sexual health, including the risks of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
One of the key concerns is human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, and oral sex, and it’s a known cause of cervical and throat cancers. Both men and women can contract HPV, and unfortunately, many don’t even realize they’re carriers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 79 million people are currently living with HPV, and 14 million new infections occur each year. This elevates men’s risk of transferring the virus to multiple partners, and they also face the possibility of developing genital warts, which affect around 360,000 sexually active individuals annually.
Fortunately, the HPV vaccine provides a straightforward method of prevention. If I’m teaching my son about the importance of using condoms, why wouldn’t I take that extra step to vaccinate him against a preventable STD? After reviewing the statistics, I realized that I would much prefer he get vaccinated with a simple series of shots rather than face the complex consequences of an STD later on in life.
We chose to vaccinate our son when he turned twelve, as it felt like the responsible decision in today’s sexual landscape. Throughout his upbringing, we’ve instilled values of respect and gentlemanly behavior in him. As an older brother, he’s learned, sometimes through challenging experiences, how to treat women with dignity. He knows to hold doors open, pull out chairs, and bring flowers on dates. He understands that respect is demonstrated through actions and words.
If we teach him these values but neglect to educate him about being respectful in intimate relationships, we’re failing as parents. We’ve had the necessary discussions about consent, and I’ve even told him that if he experiences pleasure, his partner should too. I’m not raising someone who only thinks of his own gratification; that’s not the kind of man I want him to be.
By advocating for his understanding of sexual pleasure and emotional health, I also want to ensure he comprehends the risks associated with HPV. Being a gentleman transcends just romantic gestures; it also means caring enough for one’s partner to help prevent serious health issues like cervical cancer through vaccination. It’s just the right thing to do.
Vaccinating my son against HPV is the least I can do for the future partners he may have. Any mother would surely appreciate my efforts to protect their child from cervical cancer, just as I would be grateful to any parent who took similar steps for my son’s safety. No one wants to lose a child to a preventable illness.
Some friends have questioned whether we gave our son a choice about the vaccine, and while we didn’t offer him an option, we did have an open conversation about HPV, its transmission, and the benefits of vaccination. As we sat in the doctor’s office, I noticed his cheeks flush as he expressed uncertainty about having sex anytime soon. I silently thanked my lucky stars for that moment and smiled, reminding myself that, for now, he is still my little boy.
My brief romance with Jake didn’t last long; he eventually left me for a girl with bigger hair and a greater love for Bon Jovi. But that’s alright; I eventually found someone who truly made my heart race.
If you’re interested in learning more about HPV and its implications, you can read our detailed post here. And for those considering home insemination, reputable retailers like Make a Mom offer reliable at-home insemination kits. For more information on pregnancy and insemination, check out this excellent resource from MedlinePlus.
In summary, discussing HPV vaccination with my son was not just about protecting him, but also about fostering a responsible attitude toward sexual health. It’s an essential conversation for parents to have, paving the way for healthier relationships in the future.
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