When I was thirteen, I experienced my first kiss. My crush, a boy named Jake from my neighborhood, would nervously knock on my door, inviting me for a stroll after school. We’d wander through the quiet suburban streets, hand in hand, sharing the innocent musings of adolescence. It felt thrilling, like I was part of something secretive, even though our relationship was primarily fueled by our shared love for pop music.
One crisp autumn afternoon, Jake paused in the middle of the street and kissed me, our braces clinking together, and his breath a bit too minty from the spray he used. I was taken aback but leaned in, enjoying the closeness and the warmth of that October sun, wishing I could freeze that moment forever. I also wished I had known more about kissing!
Fast forward to today, and my son is navigating his own version of thirteen. The realization that he will soon have his first kiss is both exciting and nerve-wracking. With the reality of him exploring his sexuality comes the need to address the risks associated with sexually transmitted diseases, particularly human papillomavirus (HPV). As a parent, it’s my responsibility to guide him toward being safe and responsible.
HPV is transmitted through various sexual activities and is linked to cervical and throat cancers. It’s crucial to understand that men can contract HPV just as easily as women, often unknowingly spreading it to multiple partners. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 79 million people are currently infected, with 14 million new cases each year. This virus poses significant risks, including the potential for genital warts affecting 360,000 sexually active individuals annually.
Fortunately, HPV is highly preventable thanks to available vaccines. If I’m teaching my son to use protection, why wouldn’t I take the additional step of vaccinating him against a known STD? After reviewing the statistics, I decided that a simple series of three shots was worth it to protect him from a challenging health issue down the line.
We chose to vaccinate our son when he turned twelve, because it just makes sense in today’s world. From an early age, we have instilled in him the values of being a respectful gentleman. He understands the importance of treating women with kindness, whether that’s holding doors open, offering flowers, or simply being attentive and respectful.
If we are teaching him to be courteous but neglect to discuss responsible behavior in intimate situations, we wouldn’t be fulfilling our role as parents. We’ve had open conversations about consent and the complexities of sexual relationships. To the surprise of some friends, I’ve even told him that if he experiences pleasure, he should ensure his partner does too. My goal is to raise a thoughtful individual who values mutual respect and understands the emotional aspects of intimacy.
Encouraging him to be a gentleman extends into ensuring his future partners’ health as well. By getting vaccinated against HPV, he not only protects himself but also contributes to the well-being of others. I believe that any parent would appreciate my efforts to help minimize the risk of cervical cancer for their daughters. And I would be grateful for any parent who does the same for my son’s safety.
Some people have questioned whether we gave our son a choice regarding the vaccine. The truth is, we had an honest discussion about HPV, its transmission, and the rationale behind the vaccine. During our visit to the doctor, he blushed and mentioned he wasn’t planning on having sex anytime soon. I silently thanked my stars and smiled, recognizing that, for now, he’s still my little boy.
As for my brief romance with Jake, it faded quickly; he eventually left me for a girl with bigger hair and a fondness for a different band. But that’s alright—I later found someone who made my heart sing in ways I never imagined.
If you’re interested in learning more about HPV and how to protect your children, you might find this excellent resource helpful. Plus, for those looking at ways to boost fertility, Make a Mom offers great insights.
In summary, vaccinating my son against HPV was a proactive step in ensuring his health and the health of his future partners. It’s an essential part of teaching him responsibility and respect in all aspects of life.