3 Ways to Understand Teenage Sexuality

1. Chalk it up to Hormones

When a teenager or pre-teen hits puberty, the brain releases a hormone called GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) into the body, which stimulates the hormone production of the pituitary gland. LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) are then released into the body, which in turn increases the production of testosterone in boys and estrogen in girls. The purpose of these two hormones is to prepare the individual for reproduction, so an increased sex drive should be expected as soon as your teen hits puberty.

2. Body Politics

It is important for teens to assert their independence, and they may act out if they are not given the opportunity to make some of their own decisions. Because many parents issue decrees regarding sex instead of working with their teens to discuss options, teens will engage in sexual activity simply as an act of rebellion. Girls especially can feel like they do not have possession of their own bodies, so they will have sex to regain physical control. Try reminding your son or daughter that they should respect themselves and their bodies by making smart sexual decisions.

3. Outside Influences

Look at your child's environment and ask yourself how sexually charged it is. Teenagers are highly influenced by the media and their peers, so parents need to gauge how this influence affects their children. Though it can be disconcerting, you need to be aware of how your teenager views sexual activity. Has he been so influenced by images of casual sex in TV and movies that he expects sex to lack consequences in real life? Do the teens in your child's school and community treat sex as no big deal? Most parents will agree these are not the attitudes they want their children to develop regarding sex. Let him know what values you place on sexual responsibility.

4. Insist on Responsible Behavior

Always insist on responsible sexual behavior. While you may want to stress to your child that you hope he will abstain from sex during his teen years, you must also realize that he may engage in sexual behavior anyway. Knowing this, you need to make sure he's educated about birth control and how to obtain it as well as safe sex practices. Frankly discuss the use of condoms with him whether or not you think he is sexually active. Also, if you have a teenage girl, she needs to be educated as to the possibility of contracting human papillomavirus, which can cause cervical cancer. Be sure to speak with her physician about Gardisil, the new vaccine for young women that prevents this virus.