Throughout the course of one’s life, adolescence can feel like a scary time. There is a large amount of uncertainty in almost every single part of life. Adolescence is also the time that many people begin to face a range of health and social challenges. Most notably, conversations about sex become increasingly common at this time. Even still, there is a taboo surrounding discussions of sexual and reproductive health, which puts adolescents at danger of contracting sexually transmitted infections or having an unwanted pregnancy. 

Before discussing practices for reproductive and sexual health, it is important to delineate reproductive versus sexual health. As defined by the World Health Organization, reproductive health “addresses the reproductive processes, functions, and systems at all stages of life” as well as the idea that people “have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide if, when, and how often to do so.” Sexual health, however, can be defined as “physical, mental, and social well-being in relation to sexuality.” Although the two terms are often used interchangeably, it is important to understand the difference so as to remove gender stereotypes from the concept of reproduction. Below are some tips to better understand aspects of sexual health as well as how to keep yourself (and your partner) safe.

1) Reproductive Health Techniques

Seeing that reproductive health concerns freedom of reproduction, one of the main points of discussion is birth control. Birth control apprises a wide variety of methods that help to prevent pregnancy. Birth control may work in multiple different ways, from preventing sperm from reaching the egg, to keeping the ovaries from releasing eggs that could be fertilized, to sterilization, which permanently prevents someone from getting pregnant. When choosing from different birth control methods, there might be numerous factors that come into play, such as your sexual activity or whether you would like to have children in the future. Before choosing a birth control method, ensure that you talk to a healthcare professional or trusted adult, so as to make the best decision for you. Below are the most recommended birth control methods based on lifestyle preferences:

Low Maintenance:

• Birth Control Implant: a tiny, thin rod about the size of a matchstick that is inserted into your arm

  • 99% effective and lasts up to five years

• IUD: a tiny device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy

  • 99% effective and lasts for up to twelve years

Used on a Schedule:

• Birth Control Shot: an injection you receive periodically to prevent ovulation

  • 94% effective and taken every three months

• Birth Control Patch: a patch that you wear on certain parts of your skin that release hormones to prevent pregnancy

  • 91% effective and must be replaced once a week

• Birth Control Pill: a kind of medication that is taken regularly to prevent pregnancy

  • 91% effective and taken daily

Use Every Time:

• Condom: a thin, stretchy pouch worn on the penis during sex

  • 85% effective and used every time

• Diaphragm: a shallow, bendable cup that is inserted into the vagina

  • 88% effective and used every time

Permanent:

• Sterilization (Tubal Ligation): permanently closing, cutting, or tying pieces of the fallopian tubes

  • 99% effective and lasts for life

• Vasectomy: the small tubes in the scrotum are blocked off so sperm can’t leave the body

  • 99% effective and lasts for life (but is reversible)

2) Practicing Safe Sex

Safe sex suggests that by protecting yourself and your partners, you can prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), stay healthy, and even make sex better. One of the best ways to practice safe sex is by using a barrier, such as condoms. Additionally, it’s also important to regularly get tested for STDs, even if you always use barriers and seem healthy. Many people with STDs either do not have symptoms or do not know that they have been infected, so it’s important to have open conversations with your partner(s) about how to keep each other safe. 

One of the most important aspects of safe sex is consent. As defined by Planned Parenthood, consent is “actively agreeing to be sexual with someone.” Before engaging in any sexual activity, it’s important to have an open and honest conversation about what both you and your partner are comfortable with. There are five main aspects of consent:

• Freely given: Consent should be given without any pressure, manipulation, coercion, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

• Reversible: Anyone can change their mind about their boundaries at any time regardless of their previous history of sexual activity.

• Informed: Consent can only occur if you have all of the information about what is occurring.

• Enthusiastic: Only engage in sexual activity that you want to do, not things that you feel like you should do.

• Specific: You can choose what you do and do not want to say “yes” to. 

It has been reported that, in a student population, over 10% of people experienced physical violence or sexual dating violence. Though conversations about consent can be tricky, they are critical to having a safe and pleasurable experience for everyone.

3) Resources

Below are some websites that offer resources regarding birth control, safe sex methods, and hotlines. 

• Center for Young Women’s Health and Young Men’s Health: Offers information targeted at adolescents surrounding a number of sexual health topics

• Planned Parenthood Federation of America: Provides up-to-date and medically accurate information about sexual health

• Teen Health: Facts about sexual health, from puberty, birth control, or infections

• Trevor Project: Services for sexual health and crisis intervention for youth in the LGBT community

• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673)