The Importance of Sex Education and Safe Sex

Most teenagers have intercourse between the ages of 14-17. However, not all of them are completely educated and aware of what sex actually entails. This is why sex education is a crucial topic to learn. Without proper knowledge of it, a multitude of issues such as unwanted pregnancies can arise. However, it’s such a taboo topic that societies tend to shy away from it.

Teenagers don’t feel comfortable talking regarding sex-relevant topics to their parents, and schools steer away from such conversations, leaving teenagers to seek other sources. Because of this ineffectiveness, many teenagers turn to online sources which aren’t always accurate and often even turn to potentially harm-inducing sources such as pornography when tend to provide damaging portrayal of intercourse and can also lead to detrimental sexual practices.

Even in the modern era, many parents still don’t agree with the necessity of sex education for students. The most common reason often given is that it is "inappropriate to teach children about sex". In most societies, it is only compulsory to teach the biological facts of reproduction in secondary school science lessons, and parents still have the right to withdraw their children from sex education lessons.

By inappropriating sex education, parents tend to overlook some drastically prominent reasons why such knowledge is necessary, including but not limited to:

• Teenagers need knowledge about intercourse to practice safe sex;

• It can discourage the spread of STDs by teaching students about healthy sex ettiquette;

• It teaches them about consent and consensual relationships, and allows them to make informed decisions in regardings to sexual intercourse.

Sex education should be mandatory, comprehensive, medically accurate, and taught throughout student's school years, because it encompasses important, and more often that not, more important concepts than taught in subjects such as math. It's been shown to help students, not hurt. Not only is having access to sex education that is not only comprehensive but medically accurate a human right; it's a fundamental duty of schools and parents to educate the next generation, so that their shyness and conservatism on the matter does not lead to one or the other form of permanent damage.

Sexual intercourse, additionally, isn’t something that can be discouraged simply through staying quiet about it, especially in influencable environments such as those of schools. Therefore, unviable “solutions” such as avoidance of the topic should be discontinued, and an upfront discussion on the subject prompted.

There are nevertheless a few measures every individual must consider before partaking in sexual relationships:

• Thinking twice before beginning sexual relations with a new partner and being aware of their sexual history so as to avoid the transference of STDs.

• Avoiding drinking alcohol or using drugs, as this increases the chance of participatation in high-risk sex.

• Using condoms should be a routinely part of sexual intercourse to prevent both pregnancy and STDs. Moreover, anybody can buy condoms, regardless of age or prescription, and they are easily accessible in most places such as medical stores and even supermarkets at times, which is why carrying one should be a priority especially if you’re expecting to have sex.

• Prioritizing consent, whether it be in the act itself or in using protective measures such as condoms and diaphragms. If you are not comfortable with the terms of your partner, also do not hesitate to back out from having sex.
  

There is also nothing to be worried about if you choose to not have sex earlier than your peers would. Sex can lead to pregnancy. Are you, whichever parent you are, ready to be pregnant or become a parent? Are you able to provide food, clothing, and a safe home for your baby? These are normal and recommended considerations to think through before having sex, and it is absolutely alright if you decide you are not ready or comfortable with the responsibility that might accompany sex. Moreover, if you do not wish to engage in intercourse, regardless of your views on said responsibilities, that too is alright and entirely your decision.

Sex also has health risks as a lot of infections can be spread during sexual intercourse. Sexually transmitted infections include chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, herpes, HIV (the virus that causes AIDS), human papillomavirus (HPV), and syphilis. Some of these illnesses are treatable but quite a few are extensively severe which is why exercise must be cautioned when it comes to intercourse, especially those involved in casual relationships/one-night stands.

Other problems such as failure to operate and use contraceptives and other birth-control methods are also prevalent issues surrounding unsafe sex. Although people are aware of the existence of condoms and contraceptives, they are unaware of the specifics and don’t know how to properly use them. This can decrease the guarantee of safe sex and cause heartbreaking realities for many. Most condoms, by the time they’re in use, are only around 80 percent effective.

You need to always be sure to create a safe environment for sex for your partner, and be willing to back out if you want to. Before having sex, know your own body, turn to online resources you can trust, and talk to an adult you feel safe around. Asking friends may not be the best idea; they know just as much as you and may offer you consequential advice.