Talking Sex Together

Hey, I'm TxTed — a trained health educator. I know few things in high school are more awkward than talking about sex, but let's face it — it's important to talk it out so you can make the best decision for you. Here are some hopefully not-so-awkward ways to kick off this conversation with your friends or partner:

SEX IN THE MEDIA — Whether in movies, magazines, music or TV, we're exposed to tons of sexual references and images on a daily basis. When a steamy scene comes on "Gossip Girl," talk to your friends about the lack of conversations about using contraception and condoms on TV shows. Or, mention the unrealistic way the media depicts sex in high school. For example, ask, "Can you believe they're in bed after just meeting each other five minutes ago? Do you think this is realistic?"

PEOPLE YOU KNOW — You probably know teens who aren't having sex or who are having safer sex. And, you may know older teens who are pregnant or who've had babies. In the middle of a gossip session about who's hooking up with who, bring up your thoughts about how your classmates are dealing with sex and where those teens are now who've become pregnant. You might say, "What do you think it would be like to be a mom in high school?"

SEX ED CHATTER — Even though no one willingly speaks up during sex ed class, everyone gossips with their friends after class about what they learned. Start a conversation with your friends by saying, "Before hearing this in class today, did you realize you can get gonorrhea just by having oral sex! Makes me think twice."

Have an even better way to start the conversation? Post it on the TxT Facebook page!

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