A CDC study states that there are 20 million cases of sexually transmitted infections(STI) each year. 50% of these STIs are diagnosed in young adults( between 15 and 24).
The figure speculates the exposed risk among high school and university students. It makes it substantially crucial for creating safe sex awareness amongst teens.
Unsafe sex can put one at risk of unwanted pregnancy, STIs, AIDS, and other health concerns.
Therefore, before one questions if or not ready for adult sex education and research about safe sex and the proper protection is a must. Though all the forms of intercourses involve risks, conservation and education can save you from infections and pregnancy.
Why is safe sex important? Are you ready to form and begin sexual relations? Read the article to find out.
Safe Sex Education & Meaning
Safe sex is a measure that adopts specific tools and practices to avoid infections risk of pregnancy and boosts healthy sex practices. Safe sex is not limited to the approach of birth control. It includes protection and prevention for STIs and education on the fundamentals of consent, communication, and healthy intercourse practices.
Abstinence is the actual definition of safe sex, as health professionals preach. It may sound cliche, but it is the truth. This does not convey that the practice of intercourse should always be avoided.
On the other hand, some youngsters without having complete knowledge try self medications through PDE5 inhibitors(Fildena, Vilitra, Valif) just for the sake of a long-lasting erection. However, educating oneself is a must to prevent one from various health risks involved.
The Gravity of the Role of a Parent
The age of the internet has misinformed teens about sexual intercourse. Young adults are often aware that they are fully equipped with all the information needed about sexual activity.
This information is at times discrete and incomplete. A parent is the best source of original and accurate information.
As a parent, you are the closest and the most responsible adult around your kid. It becomes your reliability and responsibility to inform and impart the proper education and awareness. Avoiding “the talk” can put your young adult at risk.
The approach of having healthy communication about safe sex with your teen may need you to keep the following things in mind:
- Honesty is the key to success. Be calm and take the approach of honesty which is forever appreciated.
- You can initially be perplexed about how to communicate but remember the first step involves listening. Be patient and listen to your teen. Let them finish and then proceed with the solutions
- Do talk about the peer pressure of having sex prevalent in high schools today. Inform them that waiting for oneself to be ready is all right.
Guidelines for Safe Sex Education
Risk is Broader Than you Think
The threat is not limited to vaginal intercourse. Despite popular belief, the umbrella of safe sex guidelines covers more important topics.
Safe sex includes using birth control during intercourse that can be vaginal, anal, or oral. In addition, it also informs you about protection from sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, HPV, Gonorrhea, syphilis, and so on. The other ideas that fall under the umbrella of safe sex are consent and healthy practices.
Protection from STIs
may surprise you, but many birth control methods do not guarantee protection against STIs. The right and accurate protection methods are female condoms, dental dams, and male condoms.
All the other methods have proved to be futile. Pills, Shots, implants, IUDs, and do not guarantee protection against STIs.
Improving Safe Sex Conversations
Communication is vital for a healthy relationship. Communicating with your partner holds the gravity of the entire embodiment of safe sex. According to the 2019 CDC survey, 9% per cent of the population of teens had more sexual partners.
This increases the risk of conditions like HIV. Communication opens the medical history and tests for STIs are essential for staying protected.
A good conversation also opens doors for healthy and more enjoyable activities. One can know the expectations, likes, dislikes, boundaries, and the gravity of foreplay in understanding the partner. A healthy conversation will only boost your confidence and pleasure in the relationship.
Also Read: Male Sexual Disorders: What Are the Common Sexual Problems?
The Knowledge of Condoms
Condoms are the essential most widely embraced birth control method and an effective tool for protecting against STIs. The following pointers are vital for a young adult to know about condoms:
- They are the best methods of birth control only when used correctly.
- One must go for a condom that has a Reservoir at the tip. These types have a lower risk of breakage and capture the ejaculated semen.
- A female condom is an effective method today; however, it must be kept in mind that female and male condoms should not be used together. This is because it puts them at risk of breakage.
- The condom should always be used before any genital contact.
The Role of a Gynecologist
A gynaecologist is forever to be consulted whenever one faces the concern of STI.
Though the causes and symptoms of STI are not always, one must always inform the gynaecologist to know of any kind of sexual activity. It will only help them to find the best method for your cure.
Never hesitate to approach your gynaecologist for sexual advice or concerns you may face.
How to Know if You are Ready?
Life and relationships change with the activity of intercourse. It changes the way you feel and sees life and how you feel about yourself. In recent decades, the peer pressure of having sex in high school has grown.
According to the 2019 Highschool student survey of the CDC, 38% had sexual intercourse. However, the right time is not universal. It can be different for different people.
If you are completely honest with your partner and have a relationship of trust, then it can be the time for you to be ready for the next steps.
The other indicators that may be a positive indicator of being ready are open communication and respecting choices and decisions.
Peer pressure, toxic relationships, manipulation, threat, and low confidence are the major red flags that mean you are not ready. The following points should be asked and analyzed to know if one is prepared to
- Healthy adult sex is a sum of everything: your values, career, and school goals and the risks involved, both physical and emotional, that one is willing to take.
- If one is comfortable with the act and how one feels about it.
- Is this something you are assured to do? Or something you are pressured for.
Remember this; the bottom line is how comfortable you are and how you feel about it. Peer pressure and what the people surrounding you are doing with life should not dictate your life decisions.
I Had Unprotected Sex: What Should I Do?
Do not panic to start with. Unprotected sex is it for breakage of condoms or choice, can be intimidating. However, there are solutions available for addressing the risk and maintaining health. Here are what you need to do:
Steps to Take Instantly After
- Move to the washroom and wash yourself up.
- Remove the liquids with lukewarm water to avoid STIs.
- Contact the nearest pharmacy for emergency contraception.
- For the next few days, keep checking yourself for any symptoms of uneasiness. Contact a doctor if needed.
For the Next Few Days,
Take the following steps:
- If one is concerned about catching HIV, contact a medical professional for post-exposure prophylaxis(PEP).
- For reducing the risk of pregnancy, one can take another EC pill after getting a healthcare professional.
- In case of any infections, contact a doctor for assistance.
Peer pressure and lack of self-understanding dictate the high schools today, which puts teens at risk. However, with proper precautions and measures, safe sex does not seem to be a big cheese.
Your comfort, self-understanding, and adult sex education are the fundamentals.
