Sometimes it's difficult to see your child as anything but that: a child.
They learn about violence and sex through the media and their peers, but they rarely have all the facts.
That's why it's so important for you to talk to your child about sex, particularly sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Teens are one of the groups most at risk for contracting STDs.
You can help your child stay safe just by talking to him and sharing some important information about STDs and prevention.
But the best time to start having these discussions is some time during the preteen or middle school years.
Of course, the exact age varies from child to child: some kids are more aware of sex at age 9 than others are at age 11.
You need to read your child's cues - when he starts having questions about sex, it's a good time to talk about STDs.
Another way to initiate a discussion is to use a media cue, like a TV program or an article in the paper, and ask your child what he thinks about it.
Spend time talking with your child from the beginning and it'll be much easier later to broach topics like sex because he'll feel more comfortable sharing his thoughts with you.
Make him feel that he's in charge of this talk, not you, by getting his opinion on whatever you discuss.
You might also ask what your child or teen thinks about sexual scenarios on TV and in movies and use those fictional situations as a lead into talking about safe sex and risky behavior.
While nonxynol-9 has been shown to reduce the risk of contracting gonorrhea and chlamydia, it is important to note that nonoxynol-9 does not protect against AIDS.