Sexual education for young people: a comprehensive guide

Sexual education is an important part of growing up. It gives you the necessary knowledge to better understand your body, your feelings and your relationships. In this article you will find out everything you have about sexuality, prevention, the puberty, protection against sexually transmitted diseases and the respectful way of dealing with each other should know.

1. Changes during puberty

Puberty is the time when your body begins to change and prepare for adult life. In girls, it usually starts between the ages of 9 and 13, a little later in boys, between 10 and 14 years. These changes are triggered by hormones and they affect both the body and emotions.

Changes in girls:

• Breast development: The breasts begin to grow.
• Menstruation (period): About two years after the beginning of breast development, menstruation begins.
• Body hair: Hair grow in the pubic area and under the armpits.
• Hip extension: The body accepts more feminine curves.

Changes in boys:

• Voice: The voice becomes deeper.
• Beard: Hair grow on the face, on the arms and legs as well as in the genital area.
• Penis and testicular growth: The penis and the testicles grow.
• ejaculation: Boys experience their first ejacro letters, often in the form of "damp dreams".

2. What is sexuality?

Sexuality is more than just sexual intercourse. It includes all feelings, thoughts, behaviors and relationships that have to do with the body and sexual sensations. Sexuality can express itself in different ways and includes physical closeness, affection, love and respect for other people.

It is important to understand that everyone is different and has different needs, wishes and limits. The sexuality of a person is personal and there is no "right" or "wrong" as long as the dealings are respectful.

3. What does consensus mean?

Consumption means that everyone involved voluntarily and enthusiastically consent to a sexual act. Without consensus, every sexual act is inappropriate or even illegal. It is important that you and your partner always communicate clearly and openly with each other and ensure that both sides agree with everything.

If someone says "no", hesitated or unsafe, this must be respected. It is important to know that you can change your opinion at any time - even in the middle of a situation. The "no" has to be accepted as well as a "yes".

4. prevention: How do you protect yourself from pregnancies and diseases?

If you are sexually active or think about it, it is important to prevention To know. Contraceptive methods Not only help to prevent unwanted pregnancy, but also protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDS).

The most common Contraceptive methods:

• Condoms: You are the only one Contraceptive methodthat protects against both pregnancies and from sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms are easily available and important for both boys and girls to apply them correctly.
• The pill: A hormonal contraceptive method that girls have to take daily to prevent pregnancy. However, it does not protect against diseases.
• spiral: A small T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus. It prevents a fertilized egg cell from nesting.
• Contract paving and hormone implants: You hand in hormones to prevent pregnancy.

What you over prevention should know:

• It is important always Condoms To use, even if you use another contraceptive method to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases.
• No Contraceptive method Is 100 % safe, but the correct application increases effectiveness significantly.
• If you have any questions about prevention have it, it makes sense to talk to a doctor about it.

5. Sexually transmitted diseases (stds)

Sexually transmitted diseases are through unprotected sex Translated and can be caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites. Some of the most common STDs are:

• Chlamydia: A bacterial infection that often does not show symptoms, but can lead to serious health problems.
• HIV/AIDS: A virus that attacks the immune system and leads to AIDS untreated. With the right treatment, however, HIV can be controlled.
• Herpes: A virus that causes painful blisters in the genital area. There is no healing, but the symptoms can be treated.
• Gonorrhea: Also known as a ripper, a bacterial infection that can lead to pain when urinating.
• syphilis: A serious bacterial infection that can have serious health consequences untreated.

How do you protect yourself

• Always use Condoms. They offer the best protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
• Let yourself be tested regularly when you are sexually active. It is important to recognize and treat diseases at an early stage.
• Avoid risky behaviors, such as the exchange of needles or unprotected sex with changing partners.

6. Emotional aspects of sexuality

Sexuality is not only physical, but also emotional. Sex can cause strong feelings such as love, affection, joy, but also uncertainty and fear. It is important to be aware that sexuality is an intimate action that requires trust and respect.

Some people are ready for sexual experiences early, while others take their time. Both are completely normal. There is no real time to become sexually active. It is crucial that you feel comfortable and do not feel under pressure.

7. Sexual orientation and identity

The sexual orientation describes the gender to be drawn to. There are different orientations and it is important to know that all forms of love and affection are equivalent:

• Heterosexual: If you feel drawn to the opposite sex.
• Homosexual (gay or lesbian): If you feel drawn to the same gender.
• Bisexual: If you feel drawn to both sexes.
• Asexual: If you feel little or no sexual attraction.

Gender identity is also an important aspect. Some people identify with the gender that was assigned to them at birth (cisgende), while others feel that their actual gender does not match their biological gender (transgender).

It is important that you accept yourself as you are and that you know that everyone has the right to live their own identity.

8. Respectful relationships

A healthy relationship is based on trust, respect and communication. This applies not only to physical, but also to emotional closeness. Here are some things that are important in every respect:

• communication: Speak openly about your wishes, needs and limits.
• respect: Pay attention to the opinion, feelings and limits of the other.
• Equality: No person should dominate or control the other. There are no power games in a healthy relationship - both partners are equal.

It is important to always listen to your gut feeling. If you feel uncomfortable in a relationship or are put under pressure, it is advisable to talk about it or to seek support from a trustworthy person. Nobody should be emotionally or physically injured in a relationship.

Conclusion

Sexual education is not only important to understand your body better, but also to lead healthy and respectful relationships. It is completely normal to have questions or sometimes feel unsure - that is part of growing up. The right education helps you to make informed and secure decisions about your sexuality.

Don't forget: your body, your decisions, your life. It is your right to determine your body about yourself and your body. Always be aware that you can obtain support and information from trustworthy sources if you are unsure or have questions. And most importantly: never put yourself under pressure and also respect the wishes and limits of others.

Source: iStockphoto Bagi1998