Sex Ed can be a pain. Not only is the information inconsistent, but many states don’t even require comprehensive sexual health education anymore. This can lead to a lot of misinformation or lack of education on the topic of sexual health. Teenagers and their parents need more options in order to be aware of the risks involved with sexual activity.
Luckily, there are many resources outside of the classroom to help teach young people about the risks of sexual activity and how to prevent unintended pregnancy and the spread of STDs, including HIV. Many private organizations and health departments can offer free information for people who are curious about their sexual health.
Do you or your teenager attend a school that doesn’t offer comprehensive sexual health education? Here are some things you can do.
Health Department/CDC
Many local health departments all over the country offer simple literature about STDs, HIV and general sexual health. These resources can vary from state to state in the same way that sexual health curriculum in the classroom can vary. It would be best to contact your local health department directly to see what resources they offer specifically.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also has a great deal of information on their website. The CDC offers statistical information as well as simple explanations of STDs and their symptoms. This is a great resource for anyone who is looking to learn more about their sexual health.
Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood is a health care provider that specializes in reproductive health. While they do offer many services outside of education, a large part of their mission is to spread medically accurate information about sexual health. The organization offers comprehensive sex education to women, men, teens and families looking to learn more about making informed choices about their health and their family planning. They offer information both in their local offices and on their online website so that all people can have access to honest and factual sexual health information.
Primary Care Physician
If going to a strange medical center or a public health department isn’t the right choice for you, you can always speak with your primary care physician about your sexual health. Your doctor can supply you with a great deal of information and answer questions that you may have. This is a great way to have a personal, private conversation about your body and the risks of sexual activity.
Unprotected sex increases the risk of transmitting STDs and HIV. The CDC recommends that those who engage in sexual activity should practice safe sex with the use of latex condoms. Having an STD and letting it remain untreated can have long term health effects as well. The best way to know whether or not you have an STD is to have STD testing performed.
