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What Are the Main Concerns in Teenage Sexual Health?
Teenage sexual health, although not a topic that many kids this age want to discuss with adults, is a very important issue. These are very formative years, and the habits learned during the teenage years can often stay with a person for a lifetime. Some of the most important issues regarding teen sexual health include physical body changes and sex education.
During and after puberty, teenagers will begin to notice myriad physical changes. Boys, for instance, will often begin to grow facial hair, and their penises will typically grow to be a little larger. Girls, on the other hand, will typically notice that their breasts become larger, and they will begin to have monthly menstrual periods. These physical changes are caused primarily by hormones.
These hormones are also partially responsible for the increased interest in having sex. When it comes to teenage sexual health, having sex is one of the biggest issues. Teenagers should be educated about sex in general as well as the risks and consequences of it. Most schools in the United States have some sort of sex education program. While teaching teenagers about sex may be a controversial topic to some, it is often necessary to help prevent sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies.
The subject of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is common in many classes that teach about teenage sexual health. Certain STDs, such as chlamydia, can cause infertility, if not treated properly. Others, such as AIDS, can be fatal. Teenagers who suspect they may have contracted an STD can often seek help from a sexual health clinic. These clinics offer a number of sexual health services, from STD testing to contraception.
Contraception, or pregnancy prevention, is also another important teenage sexual health issue. Teenagers who are not properly educated regarding the consequences of sex are much more likely to experience an unplanned pregnancy. Some sexual health clinics and even some school nurses offer free condoms to sexually active teenagers. Latex condoms are often considered to be one of the best ways to prevent STDs and unplanned pregnancies, second only to abstinence.
Some individuals believe that teaching teenagers about sex and handing out free contraceptives will only cause them to have sex earlier. On the other hand, some individuals stand by the belief that teenagers will have sex with or without sex ed and contraception. Many health experts, however, believe that providing education about certain teenage sexual health issues early can lead to lower rates of STDs and unplanned pregnancies in teens.
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![Unplanned pregnancy is a major concern for sexually active teens.]()
By: KaarstenUnplanned pregnancy is a major concern for sexually active teens. -
![Teens not properly educated about the consequences of sex are more likely to have an unplanned pregnancy.]()
By: Monkey BusinessTeens not properly educated about the consequences of sex are more likely to have an unplanned pregnancy. -
![STDs are a major concern in teenage sexual health.]()
By: jarun011STDs are a major concern in teenage sexual health. -
![Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major public health concern in many parts of the world.]()
By: Syda ProductionsSexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major public health concern in many parts of the world. -
![Proper use of a condom is a big concern when it comes to teenagers and sexual health.]()
By: matka_WariatkaProper use of a condom is a big concern when it comes to teenagers and sexual health. -
![Teens may be encouraged to practice multiple forms of contraception.]()
By: Diana TaliunTeens may be encouraged to practice multiple forms of contraception. -
![Teens may become depressed if they are rejected by their partner following a sexual encounter.]()
By: Eric SimardTeens may become depressed if they are rejected by their partner following a sexual encounter.
Discussion Comments
@Mor - Sexual health education is such a personal thing though. It's all wrapped up in culture and religion. I think that there should be some kind of solid curriculum that is based on science and safety, which is used by schools. But I also think that parents should be more involved in their teenagers' lives and should provide moral guidance. I don't think it is the school's place to do that.
@Iluviaporos - I think it can be difficult for parents these days because there is such a huge amount of information out there. There is definitely a need for parents and teachers to provide a no nonsense approach to teenage sexual health that will cut through all the rumors and false information they get from each other or from the internet.
I think the biggest mistake that people make when it comes to teenage sexuality is thinking that, if they ignore it, it will go away or fail to develop. It is actually a result of hormones and biological impulses, not just a cultural construct. So if you decide to not teach your children about sexuality at all, they will only be confused and more likely to make mistakes.
I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing to teach kids that abstinence is the way to go. It is the only way to prevent pregnancy and STDs after all. But there are teenagers out there who think oral and anal sex isn't really sex and therefore isn't dangerous, because they've never been taught the basics.
I'd much rather than all teenagers are given all information and allowed to decide for themselves what they should do. When they aren't given all the information, they can't be expected to make good choices.
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