World Population Day– Focus on Adolescent Pregnancy With Tips On Talking Sex with Teenagers & A Giveaway From LifeStyles Condoms

Did you know that today, Thursday, July 11th is World Population Day? and this years theme is a Focus on Adolescent Pregnancy.

“About 16 million girls under age 18 give birth each year. Another 3.2 million undergo unsafe abortions. For far too many of these girls, pregnancy has little to do with informed choice. Often it is a consequence of discrimination, rights violations (including child marriage), inadequate education or sexual coercion.

 

On 2013 World Population Day, we raise awareness of the issue of adolescent pregnancy in the hopes of delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.

 

In honor of World Population Day and encouraging adolescents to practice safe sex and avoid pregnancy, LifeStyles Condoms has shared Tips for Talking with Your Adolescent About Sex as well as The Bare Facts of Condoms, useful facts about condom use to hopefully prevent breakage and failure resulting in unwanted pregnancies.”

TALKING TO TEENS ABOUT SEX

“Where do you begin? Sex is a natural part of life, but it’s not always a comfortable subject to approach with your teens. So, how do you approach the “big talk” without embarrassment? What do you say? Should you wait? Or just hope for the best? Actually, the best piece of advice we can give you is to make sex an ongoing conversation with your teens. This is one “mystery” you don’t want them solving themselves. Here are some facts, figures, and a few simple guidelines to help you get through it all.

What’s a parent to do? Talk … and, more importantly, listen! Keep the channels of communication open.

You play a big role in how your teen views sex. That’s why it’s important you be there with plenty of understanding and information. Here are a few tips to make this confusing – and pivotal – time in your teen’s life easier on both of you.”

• Encourage conversation. Many teens will never ask about sex, so it’s important you approach them before a crisis arises. Think through your own values about sexuality: What messages do you want to give your children about love, gender roles, pregnancy, etc?
• Be aware of outside influences. What are they teaching your child at school, church, or youth groups about sexual education? It may provide a springboard for your conversations, and make things go a lot easier.
• Share your feelings. In addition to giving facts, share your feelings, values, and beliefs about sex.
• Be sure to tell your child why you feel that way. Telling children the “why” behind values teaches them to think. And when they share their feelings … listen closely.
• Balance the positives with the negatives. While it’s important your child knows the negative information about sex (i.e., sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS, and unwanted pregnancy), you should balance your approach with positive information. Tell them sexuality is natural and healthy, and in loving relationships, intimacy can be a wonderful part of adult life.

Okay, so now you know how to talk to your teen. But will he or she go out and have more sex because of it? And what do you say about protection? With all the “false” information out there, you need to have the facts – and nothing but the facts.

• According to the World Health Organization, there is no evidence that sex education encourages sexual experimentation or increased activity. On the contrary … if any effects of sex education were observed, almost without exception, it is the postponement of sexual intercourse and/or effective use of contraceptives.
• Abstinence is sure protection against unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). But there is no reliable evidence that abstinence-only programs change students’ knowledge, attitudes, or behavior.
• When used consistently and correctly, a latex condom is the most effective barrier contraceptive available today. However, condom failure is often due to improper use. To help solve this problem, LifeStyles Brand Condoms has introduced Discs with unique packaging that ensures proper use, since every condom is packed right side up for an easy-on, correct fit.
• The fact is, sex education provides teens with correct information so they can make informed decisions. And, while abstinence is a sure way to prevent STDs and unwanted pregnancy, LifeStyles Brand latex condoms are the best protection if they do decide to have sex.

THE BARE FACTS OF CONDOMS

Statistics show that one of the major reasons why a condom fails is because the user puts it on upside down or the condom is damaged while opening the package. Here are some useful facts to keep in mind:

 There is a right way and a wrong way to wear a condom. If it doesn’t unroll smoothly from the rim on the outside, it’s upside down.

• There are basically three sizes: standard, contoured, and large (2 mm larger than standard)
• Only latex condoms provide the best protection against STDs.
• Condoms have a shelf life: three years with spermicide, five years without spermicide. Make sure you check the expiration date.
• The worst place to carry a condom is in your back pocket; a shirt pocket or protective case is better.
• Never open the package with your teeth, use the tear strip.
• Leave room at the tip. If there isn’t a “reservoir end,” squeeze the tip.
• Use only water-based lubricants, anything else will damage the latex.
• If you feel a condom break, stop intercourse, and withdraw immediately.

LifeStyles® SKYN® Condoms

Now that you’re a bit more informed, Lifestyles is graciously providing 10 readers with a pack of LifeStyles® SKYN® Condoms, the world’s first polyisoprene condom.

SKYN® is the first premium condom made from polyisoprene – a scientifically formulated non-latex material that delivers the ultimate sensitivity that is the closest thing to wearing nothing.

• Polyisoprene material provides softer, more natural feel than latex.
• Clinically proven to enhance sensation.
• Combines the strength of premium latex with the sensitivity of an ultra thin condom for that Skyn-to-Skyn sensation.
• Ideal for people with latex allergies or latex sensitivity.
• Long-lasting, ultra smooth lubricant enhances the experience.

View the SKYN Microsite

Learn the difference between polyisoprene and polyurethane condoms.

When you’re done scroll down to enter the giveaway!

Prize: 10 readers will receive a package of LifeStyles® SKYN® Condoms

How to Enter:

2 Step process for entering

. 

#1 Scroll down to the comment section directly on this blog telling us what your preferred mode of protection is. Ie: birth control, condoms, abstinence..

#2 Fill out the Rafflecopter form (it’s a form & will pop up after a minute under this text).

Any questions just leave a comment or ask on Facebook.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Giveaway, info & tips all provided courtesy of LifeStyles condoms.