Introduction
Teenage (adolescence) is the transitional period between childhood and maturity, from ten to nineteen. It is a unique phase of human development and a critical period for setting the groundwork for optimal health. Teenagers are more likely to have undesired pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and sexually transmitted illnesses such as HIV/AIDS if they begin sexual activity without adequate sex education. Even if individuals choose to abstain from sexual activity, they must understand sexual health.
What Is Teen Sexual Health?
As a person's body changes during puberty, so do the way they think, feel, and interact with others. It is understandable if an individual experiences new sentiments and thoughts regarding sex. Teen sexual health also includes figuring out how one would be as a young adult sexually. Understanding gender identity, expression, and sexual orientation are essential for teenagers. Teen sexual health is all about how sex affects physical and emotional well-being. It involves learning how to build healthy relationships and making decisions about sex that are suitable.
What Are Sexually Transmitted Diseases?
Infections carried from person to person during intercourse (vaginal, oral, or anal) or close intimate contact are sexually transmitted diseases. While sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) affect people of all ages, young people are particularly vulnerable. Some STDs can be cured, while others are incurable. Many people are asymptomatic, so they are unaware that they have an infection that can spread to others. According to the latest survey of CDC (Centers for disease control and prevention), about half of the 26 million new sexually transmitted illnesses occur in teenagers, which makes teenage sexual health of utmost importance.
Which Are the Most Frequent Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among Teenagers?
- HIV/AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome): The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that targets the immune system of the body. People who contract HIV are infected for the rest of their life but can be managed with the proper medical care. There is currently no viable treatment available.
- Bacterial Vaginosis: Bacterial vaginosis is a form of vaginal irritation caused by an overgrowth of bacteria found naturally in the vagina, upsetting the natural equilibrium. The causes are complex, but some habits, such as unprotected intercourse or regular douching, raise the risk.
- Chlamydia: Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted bacterial infection. Chlamydia infections can be treated and cured. However, it is critical to consult a doctor as quickly as possible as chlamydia can cause catastrophic problems if left untreated.
- Gonorrhea: Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection commonly known as "clap." Gonorrhea can infect the eyes, mouth, and joints without showing signs or symptoms.
- Other commonly seen STDs include herpes, HPV (human papillomavirus) infection, syphilis, pubic tick, and chancre.
What Are the Ways to Keep STDs at Bay?
Abstinence is the only thing that works fully to avoid STDs. If one chooses to be sexually active, then here are a few points to be kept in mind:
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To use protection (male and female condoms are available)
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If your partner has genital sores, a rash, discharge, or other symptoms, avoid having sex with them.
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Vaccinate yourself against HPV (human papillomavirus).
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Get yourself tested and checked for STDs regularly.
How to Have a Sexual Connection That Is Both Healthy and Enjoyable?
Healthy sex begins with a healthy relationship, so it is critical to examine how one treats their partner. The relationship may be beneficial if:
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The connection is mutual and not because of peer pressure.
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There is respect, trust, and good communication between the partners.
In contrast, the existence of any sexual offense activity (violence) is a sign of an unhealthy relationship.
What Should One Keep in Mind Before Having Sexual Intercourse?
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Inquire about the partner's sexual history, including any STDs they may have had.
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Discuss the kind of STD prevention strategies to be utilized.
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If in a heterosexual (straight) relationship, talk about birth control and what to do if it fails and causes an unplanned pregnancy.
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If it is challenging to converse these statements with their partner, reconsider the decision of a sexual relationship.
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If one has been sexually engaged with other people, be open and honest about it. The higher the number of partners, the higher the risk of STDs.
How to Avoid Teenage Pregnancy?
Teen pregnancy can have health, economic, and societal consequences. When condoms and birth control tablets are not used consistently and appropriately, they are less effective at preventing conception. The most successful forms of birth control for teenagers are intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants, often known as long-acting reversible contraception. It is advisable to use long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) to prevent an unwanted and undesired pregnancy.
What Exactly Is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender?
Sexual orientation has an inference to a person's sexual attraction.
There are various varieties of sexual orientation, such as:
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Heterosexual: Heterosexuals are referred to as "straight" since they are attracted to people of the opposite sex.
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Homosexual: They are attracted to persons of the same sex. Females attracted to other females are lesbians, while males attracted to other males are known as gays.
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Bisexual: Bisexual individuals are attracted to both sexes.
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Asexual: Asexuals refer to those individuals who are not interested in sex.
Sexual orientation is a complicated combination of biology, psychology, genes, hormones, and environmental influences. People who feel compelled to hide their sexual orientation and fear discrimination or violence are more likely to suffer from anxiety and despair.
A person's sexual orientation is not something they pick on their own. Sexual orientation is a natural element that defines personality.
People who are not straight may hide their sexual orientation, even from friends and family out of fear of bigotry, rejection, or bullying. For LGBT teens, these kinds of views make life challenging.
When Is It Appropriate to Educate Children About Sex?
We live in a world where talking about the body, and sexual intercourse is frowned upon. Parents have a hard time talking to them about sex.
Parents must recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to having this conversation with their children. Each child needs further education depending on their age and questions about sex. Many parents assume that "the talk" will lead to negative behavior for some reason. That is a logical fallacy. They will be better informed and appraise or judge a situation if they are educated about it.
Conclusion
Teens have a lot to consider regarding sexual health and preferences: determining their readiness, learning about orgasms, protecting themselves from pregnancy and STDs, determining whether or not someone wants to have sex with them (consent). Sexual experiences can be an important element of a relationship, a pleasurable once-in-a-lifetime event, or something you save for later. While no one wants to talk about it, teens must be prepared to deal with the possibility of STDs, as well as the possibility of having a child, aborting a pregnancy, or giving a child up for adoption.
