So often we emphasize concepts in reproduction and forget that our teen might not understand the basic information behind the concept. For example, although they might know that a condom helps prevent pregnancy, do they know how the condom does that?

This illustration would be a great resource for your son.  It shows how an egg is released from an ovary during ovulation and enters a tube called the fallopian tube.  The egg waits in the fallopian tube only one day to see if any sperm show up or have been waiting there. 

Illustration from I’m a Girl, Sexual Maturity and I’m a Boy, Sexual Maturity

During ejaculation, the sperm and fluid that together form semen are contained inside the condom and cannot get to the egg.  It is really a simple concept, but don’t be surprised if your son is clueless.

This illustration can be a great beginning to an important conversation with your teen. Make sure to keep the chats brief, about 7 minutes each. Don’t feel like you need to teach them everything at once. They might try to ignore you, but trust me, they are listening and learning!

Menstrual cycles, fertilization, and contraception are described in my book I’m a Boy, Sexual Maturity.  This is a “must read” book for all young teen boys.