Talking about sex can be uncomfortable; talking about infections received from sexual activity can be almost unbearable.

April is designated as National Sexually Transmitted Diseases Awareness Month, and statistics show that Gordon County has noted ups and downs among teens ranging from 13 to 19 years of age.

Information gathered from the Department of Public Health showed that Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) have remained varied in Gordon County since 2006, which is the earliest data that is available.

Chlamydia, a common STI caused by the bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis, can damage a woman’s reproductive organs and cause irreversible damage, including infertility. It can occur before a woman ever recognizes a problem; Chlamydia also can cause problems in men as well, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Gonorrhea, an STI that is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, is a bacterium that can grow in warm, moist areas of the reproductive tract, including the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes in women, and in the urethra in women and men. The bacterium can also grow in the mouth, throat, eyes and anus, according to the Center for Disease Control.

Back then, in 2006, there were 36 teen cases reports, and in 2010, the latest data available, revealed 36 cases. In 2007 there were 29 reported teen cases; in 2008 there were 39 cases; in 2009 there were 42 cases, which was the largest number of reported cases in Gordon County.

Roberta Charbonneau, Coordinator for the Family Connection of Gordon County, said that it is extremely important for parents and students to talk about sex and the consequences of not using protection.

“Thirty-seven percent of students have said that they have not had a open conversation with their parents about sex,” said Charbonneau. “Parents need to talk with their kids.”

According to the latest findings from Gordon County Family Connection, Georgia ranked 13th for Chlamydia, sixth for Gonorrhea and third in the state for Syphilis.

Charbonneau reiterated the importance of communication, no matter how awkward the conversation might be.

“Kids are already hearing about sex,” said Charbonneau. “Why not hear it straight from you?”

She advised that if a teen has contracted an STI, the best choice is to go to the Heath Department and start talking with their parents or someone they can trust.

In order to start talking with teens about sexual health, the experts at Advocates for Youth came up with a few tips on how to begin the conversation.

First, encourage communication by reassuring your children that they can talk to you about anything.

Take advantage of teachable moments. A friend’s pregnancy, news article, or a TV show can help start a conversation.

Listen more than you talk. Think about what you’re being asked. Confirm with your child that what you heard is in fact what he or she meant to ask.

Don’t jump to conclusions. The fact that a teen asks about sex does not mean they are having or thinking about having sex.

Answer questions simply and directly. Give factual, honest, short, and simple answers.

Share your values early and often. You play the most important role in your child’s sex education.

Reassure young people that they are normal-as are their questions and thoughts.

Teach your children ways to make good decisions about sex and coach them on how to get out of risky situations.

Admit when you don’t know the answer to a question. Suggest the two of you find the answer together on the Internet or in the library.

Discuss that at times your teen may feel more comfortable talking with someone other than you. Together, think of someone you both trust.

For more information on STIs, prevention and care, call the Gordon County Health Department at 706-624-1444.