![\"Clear](\"https:\/\/www.jodi365.com\/singledout\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/questions.jpg\")
<\/a>These disturbing stats are a direct result of lack of sex education among the people of our country. \u00a0Sex may have been treated as a taboo in the past. \u00a0But it is about time we broke out of the vicious cycle of taboo associated with sex and started talking about it.<\/p>\n
Young people can make good decisions about their sexual health if they are given the right sex education at the appropriate age. \u00a0Reluctance to educate youngsters about the physiological, social, and biological\u00a0aspects of leading a healthy sexual life will only lead to confusion. \u00a0In the absence of sex education, they will have only half-baked truths, misconceptions, rumors, and other misguided information to go with. ( A little learning is a dangerous thing.)<\/p>\n
Banning sex education in schools on the grounds that it would make students want to indulge in the act of sex is an argument that does not hold strong. \u00a0Delaying the initiation of sex until after marriage is not the answer to the problem. \u00a0Because not everybody believes in abstinence until marriage. \u00a0Many a couple in a consensual relationship do not feel that they have to wait until they get married to get intimate. \u00a0We are neither encouraging pre-marital sex, nor are we bashing it because who you decide to get involved with and when, are personal choices. \u00a0However, if your knowledge about safe sex practices is not adequate, and if your understanding about sexual health is outdated, it will lead to problems such as unwanted pregnancies and chances of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs).<\/p>\n
What are STIs?<\/strong><\/h2>\nSexually transmitted infections are a group of diseases or infections that are transmitted through sexual contact. \u00a0STIs can be prevented by having safe sex. \u00a0Condoms are the most frequently used method to provide the necessary protection during intercourse.<\/p>\n![\"Condom\"](\"https:\/\/www.jodi365.com\/singledout\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/contraceptive.jpg\")
<\/a>Rorro Navia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nHere is a list of common STIs you can contract if you indulge in unprotected sex:<\/p>\n
\n- HIV\/AIDS<\/li>\n
- Herpes<\/li>\n
- Hepatitis<\/li>\n
- Gonorrhea<\/li>\n
- Chlamydia<\/li>\n
- Syphilis<\/li>\n
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)<\/li>\n
- Genital warts<\/li>\n
- Chancroid<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
<\/p>\n
September 12\u201318 is Sexual Health Awareness Week. \u00a0This year, the focus is on STIs.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0On that note:<\/p>\n
Schedule an appointment with your gynecologist\/urologist<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"Visit](\"https:\/\/www.jodi365.com\/singledout\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/testing.jpg\")
<\/a>Wellcome Images<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIt is not enough to use protection and tell yourself that all is well. \u00a0Many STD symptoms do not make an appearance until the infection worsens. \u00a0It is important to get yourself tested immediately if you notice anything unusual. \u00a0Hence, periodic visits to the gynecologist or the urologist are necessary for good sexual health.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Contraception<\/h2>\n
The use of artificial methods to prevent pregnancy is known as contraception. \u00a0It is a very important part of family planning, which is the only way to keep our ever-growing population in check.<\/p>\n
It is important for young people to know about contraceptives. \u00a0Many a time, teenage pregnancies occur because of a lack of awareness about contraceptive techniques.<\/p>\n![\"Family](\"https:\/\/www.jodi365.com\/singledout\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/family-planning.jpg\")
<\/a>Philippe Put<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIn addition to providing protection from STIs, condoms are also effective contraceptives. \u00a0Abortion pills or oral contraceptive pills should never be considered as an alternative\u00a0for contraceptives. \u00a0It may be shocking to hear that the side-effects of some of these pills have made it impossible for women to conceive later on. \u00a0So, unless you and your partner are mentally, physically, and emotionally ready to have a baby, make sure you use any of the contraceptive methods to avoid getting pregnant.<\/p>\n
Instead of deeming sex as a shameful act, shushing any topic remotely related to sex, and clinging on to our ‘glorious’ past or ‘Indian values’ to justify it, we should strive for a progressive future where people can openly talk about sexual health and safe sex practices.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Featured image courtesy of Nevil Zaveri<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Editor’s note:<\/p>\n
Wondering if your health regimen is on point? \u00a0Find out if you follow these\u00a010 Health Tips For Young Professionals.<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
<\/a>Here is a list of common STIs you can contract if you indulge in unprotected sex:<\/p>\n
- \n
- HIV\/AIDS<\/li>\n
- Herpes<\/li>\n
- Hepatitis<\/li>\n
- Gonorrhea<\/li>\n
- Chlamydia<\/li>\n
- Syphilis<\/li>\n
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)<\/li>\n
- Genital warts<\/li>\n
- Chancroid<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
<\/p>\n
September 12\u201318 is Sexual Health Awareness Week. \u00a0This year, the focus is on STIs.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0On that note:<\/p>\n
Schedule an appointment with your gynecologist\/urologist<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a>Wellcome Images<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n It is not enough to use protection and tell yourself that all is well. \u00a0Many STD symptoms do not make an appearance until the infection worsens. \u00a0It is important to get yourself tested immediately if you notice anything unusual. \u00a0Hence, periodic visits to the gynecologist or the urologist are necessary for good sexual health.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Contraception<\/h2>\n
The use of artificial methods to prevent pregnancy is known as contraception. \u00a0It is a very important part of family planning, which is the only way to keep our ever-growing population in check.<\/p>\n
It is important for young people to know about contraceptives. \u00a0Many a time, teenage pregnancies occur because of a lack of awareness about contraceptive techniques.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Philippe Put<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n In addition to providing protection from STIs, condoms are also effective contraceptives. \u00a0Abortion pills or oral contraceptive pills should never be considered as an alternative\u00a0for contraceptives. \u00a0It may be shocking to hear that the side-effects of some of these pills have made it impossible for women to conceive later on. \u00a0So, unless you and your partner are mentally, physically, and emotionally ready to have a baby, make sure you use any of the contraceptive methods to avoid getting pregnant.<\/p>\n
Instead of deeming sex as a shameful act, shushing any topic remotely related to sex, and clinging on to our ‘glorious’ past or ‘Indian values’ to justify it, we should strive for a progressive future where people can openly talk about sexual health and safe sex practices.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Featured image courtesy of Nevil Zaveri<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Editor’s note:<\/p>\n
Wondering if your health regimen is on point? \u00a0Find out if you follow these\u00a010 Health Tips For Young Professionals.<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n