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Sexual Health – Guy Style
Preparing Your Son for His First Exam
By Tamekia Reece
What about erections? "It's very normal, especially in young males, to get an erection for any reason," says Dr. Wibbelsman. Let your son know that this is a common occurrence, doctors see it all the time and don't think twice about it.
Are secrets safe? Josh Tyler, now 19, says he put off getting checked because he thought the clinic would send his parents a "report card" of his sex life. That thought kept him out of the doctor's office and unaware of his STD status. Don't let it be the same for your son. Assure him that the things that happen and are said during his visit are strictly confidential, kept between him and the doctor, and no information is going to be relayed to you without his permission. If your word isn't enough assurance, have him ask the doctor about the clinic's confidentiality agreement.
It doesn't matter if he's anxious to get it done or if you have to drag him in kicking and screaming, do whatever you have to do to get your son to his first sexual health exam. In the end, he'll thank you for it, and it could ultimately save his life.