Sex and Reproductive Health: Everything You Need to Know
Everything You Need to Know About Sexual and Reproductive Health
You’ve heard your friends talking about it, seen it on television, and may even have been too embarrassed to ask your doctor about it. But, what exactly is sexual and reproductive health? Reproductive health refers to the ability of men and women to reproduce and raise healthy children. Sexual health refers to the ability of men and women to enjoy sexuality in a safe and positive way.
In this article, we’ll explore five myths about sexual and reproductive health you may have heard in the past, as well as debunk these myths by presenting you with their actual facts.
1) Teens aren’t having sex
It's a common myth that teenagers aren't having sex. In reality, many teens are sexually active. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 47% of high school students have had sex. Among sexually experienced male high school students, 87% say they used condoms the last time they had sex; among sexually experienced female high school students, 79% say they used birth control pills or another form of hormonal birth control the last time they had sex. There is also an increase in sexual activity among middle-schoolers. More than 12% of seventh graders report being sexually active. The prevalence rate is similar in eighth grade as well - 11%. Myth: Teens can just get tested one time when they start collegeerential: Another false belief is that when you're at college, you only need to get tested once before the end of your first year there. That's not true at all!
2) STDs are Just a Fact of Life
The truth is, STDs are preventable. And while some STDs can be cured with medication, others (like HIV) can't be cured. That's why it's important to get tested regularly and to practice safe sex. If you're sexually active and don't know your partner's STD status, use a condom for protection every time you have intercourse. Don't put yourself at risk just because you think it will never happen to you!
3) The Pill Is Not Safe During Pregnancy
There are many myths about sexual and reproductive health, but one of the most common is that the pill is not safe during pregnancy. This is simply not true! The pill is one of the most effective forms of contraception, and it is perfectly safe to use during pregnancy. In fact, it can even help to prevent some types of pregnancy complications. If you’re pregnant and want to talk with your healthcare provider about birth control options, remember that they will be happy to discuss all of your choices with you—including oral contraceptives.
4) Condoms Don’t Work
One of the most common myths about sexual and reproductive health is that condoms don’t work. This couldn’t be further from the truth! When used correctly, condoms are highly effective at preventing pregnancy and protecting against STDs. It’s important to remember that they need to be put on before any contact with fluids occurs or it won’t protect you. To use a condom correctly, hold the tip of the condom open with one hand and unroll it all the way down to your partner's base with your other hand. Next, pinch the reservoir tip (the part of the condom covering semen) to keep semen inside when you withdraw after ejaculation.
5) Vaccines Cause Autism
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause social, communication, and behavioral challenges. There is no link between vaccines and ASD. In fact, the CDC recommends that all children be vaccinated to protect them from 14 serious diseases. Vaccines have prevented about 200 million cases of these diseases in the United States alone. Myth: Unprotected Sex is Safe Sex: Not true! With many STDs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV and syphilis on the rise among young people in America, this myth could not be more false.