A new patient came to see me before going to college. She had no problems, was not sexually active, but came because she said she knew nothing about her body, her period, or safe sex. Neither her school or her parents had taught her anything. She came in to educate herself! I was proud. I was also heartbroken that her community had failed her. Not all young women will take this initiative, and there are consequences to that.
In our modern world, the need for sex education has never been more critical. Sex ed plays a vital role in the healthy development of young people, offering benefits that extend far beyond the basic understanding of reproductive biology. It’s not just about teaching the mechanics of sex. It is about empowering women with knowledge. It is about enabling them to make informed decisions about their bodies and futures. The information here is NOT opinion. It is FACT. It has been proven by countless studies. (ACOG, AAP, CDC, UpToDate, Guttmacher Institute).
- 31% of females age 15-17 have had sex
- 67% of females age 18-19 have had sex
- 5-10% of teens identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual
Comprehensive Sex Education Teaches:
- The benefits of delaying sex – most effective way to prevent pregnancy and STIs
- Normal human anatomy, physiology
- STIs
- All methods of contraception including IUDs & implants
- Consent in safe and healthy relationships
- Sexual diversity
- Dispels myths
Comprehensive sex education has been shown to delay sex, reduce the frequency of sex, reduce the number of partners, increase condom use, increase use of all contraceptive methods, decrease STIs and decrease teen pregnancy.
Increasing Condom and Contraceptive Use
A critical aspect of sex education is its effectiveness. Proper education increases the use of contraceptives. This greatly reduces the risk of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The CDC estimated in 2017 there were almost 2.3 million new cases of reportable STDs. (HPV and herpes are not reportable so are not included in these numbers). Half of the reported cases were diagnosed in young adults ages 15-24.
Self-Awareness and Body Autonomy + Prevention of Violence and Abuse
Sex education promotes self-awareness, encourages body autonomy and helps young people feel comfortable with their own bodies, contributing to a healthier self-image and self-esteem. When we educate young people about sexual harassment, abuse, and violence, it can equip them with the knowledge to recognize unhealthy behaviors in relationships and understand their rights. This is critical for preventing victimization and reducing perpetration.
Decreasing Unintended Pregnancy Rates + Consent and Respect
Unintended pregnancies have profound implications for women. It can affect their education, employment, and quality of life. Comprehensive sex education plays a vital role in decreasing these rates. By equipping women with the resources to plan their futures, they can pursue their goals, their hopes, their dreams. They can have assurance that they can decide if or when to start a family.
Parents, Schools, Doctors and the Community
Comprehensive sex education should extend beyond the classroom. The involvement of parents, healthcare providers, and the wider community is crucial. It is a collective effort in ensuring young women receive accurate information. Increased parental involvement in sex ed has also been shown to:
- Delay sex
- Increase condom use
- Increase contraceptive use⠀
Abstinence only sex ed does NOT reduce teen pregnancy rates and does NOT delay initiation of sex. Comprehensive sex education begins in childhood and promotes healthy, positive, and responsible views on sexuality. This education ideally should come from home, school, medical providers, and the community. Schools play a pivotal role in providing foundational knowledge about sexual health. But open and honest conversations about sex and sexual health should happen at home, too. Doctors, nurses, and other health professionals should share resources for sexual health information. For more reading, check out this post for when to schedule a pap smear appointment.
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The information provided on this website is strictly for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Our content is not a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Health and wellness are complex, highly individualized matters, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another. If you have any medical concerns or questions about your health, it is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider or medical care team. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history, current condition, and specific needs. The internet can be a valuable resource for gathering information, but decisions about your health should always be made in partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.