I remember the thrill of my first kiss at thirteen. My crush was just a year older, a neighbor who would timidly knock on my door and suggest we take afternoon walks after school. We’d wander around our quiet suburban streets, hand in hand, sharing the innocent thoughts of our age. It felt a bit secretive, like we were getting away with something, even though our relationship was mainly fueled by our shared love for classic rock bands.
One crisp autumn day, he paused in the street and kissed me, our braces clinking together and his breath fresh with too much mint spray. I was taken aback but leaned in, enjoying the closeness and wishing that moment could last forever, with the scent of his cologne lingering in the air. I also wished I knew how to kiss better.
Fast forward to today, and my son is navigating his own version of adolescence. It’s hitting me that soon—perhaps even now—he’ll experience his first kiss. Whether I like it or not, he’ll begin exploring his sexuality, and as a parent, it’s my responsibility to ensure he understands the importance of sexual health and safety, including protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
This is why we chose to vaccinate him against human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is transmitted through various sexual activities and is a known cause of cervical and throat cancers. Both men and women can contract it, often without knowing, which increases the risk of spreading it to partners. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 79 million people are currently infected with HPV, with 14 million new infections each year. Men, too, are at a higher risk of developing genital warts, which affect 360,000 sexually active individuals annually.
Fortunately, HPV is highly preventable thanks to available vaccines. If I’m already teaching my son the importance of using condoms, it only makes sense to take an extra step and vaccinate him against a preventable STD. After learning the facts, I preferred to have him receive three quick shots rather than watch him deal with the complications of a difficult-to-treat disease.
We made the decision to have him vaccinated when he turned twelve because it’s part of being responsible in today’s sexual landscape. Since he was young, we’ve raised him to treat others with respect. As an older brother, he’s learned the value of gentlemanly behavior towards women. He knows to hold doors open, stand up when a lady sits down, and bring flowers on special occasions. He understands that respect is shown through both actions and words.
If we’re teaching him these values, we must also ensure he understands how to respect his partners in the bedroom. We’ve had open conversations about consent and the nuances of sex. To the surprise of some friends, I’ve even discussed the importance of mutual satisfaction, emphasizing that if he experiences pleasure, so should his partner. It’s about fostering a sense of equality, and I’m not raising someone who only thinks of his own gratification.
By promoting these values, I also want to ensure he’s aware of the risks associated with HPV. Being a gentleman involves more than charming gestures; it’s about caring for a partner’s health and well-being, including preventing cervical cancer through vaccination. It simply makes sense.
Vaccinating my son against HPV is the least I can do for the mothers of the girls he may date in the future. I believe they’d appreciate my efforts to help prevent potential health issues for their children, just as I would be grateful for any parent who took similar steps to protect my son’s health. No one wants to face the loss of a child to a preventable disease.
Some friends have asked if we gave our son a choice regarding the vaccine. To be honest, we didn’t. However, we did have an honest discussion about HPV, how it spreads, and why the vaccine is beneficial for him and his future partners. During our visit to the doctor, he blushed and mentioned he didn’t think he’d be having sex anytime soon. I silently thanked my lucky stars, smiled, and reassured him that it was okay. Kids do grow up fast, but on that day, he was still my little boy.
As for my crush from years ago, we didn’t last long. He eventually moved on to someone with a bigger hairstyle and a deeper love for another iconic band. But that’s fine; I saved myself for a charming boy with blue eyes who kissed me on the beach in a way that surpassed my wildest dreams.
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Summary:
In this piece, the author reflects on her own experiences of young love and the importance of educating her son about sexual health. She discusses the decision to vaccinate him against HPV, emphasizing its role in preventing sexually transmitted diseases and promoting respectful behavior towards partners. The narrative blends personal anecdotes with practical advice for parents navigating similar conversations.