Adolescence is a time of great physical, emotional, and social change. It is also a time of sexual health development as they become curious and start exploring their sexuality. This can be a confusing and overwhelming time for young people. Unfortunately, many people see the topic of sexual health as taboo.
As a result, many adolescents do not receive the accurate information they need about contraception and sexual health. This can lead to risks to their health and their future.
What Is Contraception and Sexual Health?
Sexual health encompasses an individual’s physical, mental, and social well-being about their sexuality. There are many factors that contribute to good sexual health. This includes learning about contraception and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), being able to communicate with partners about sexual health, and having access to the proper healthcare services.
Sexual health education is the process of providing information and skills about human sexuality. It can include topics such as anatomy, reproduction, contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and consent.
Contraception is the use of methods or devices to prevent unintended pregnancies and their negative consequences. There are many different types of contraception available, including condoms, birth control pills, and IUDs.
It is important to provide accurate information about contraception and sexual health because it can help people make informed decisions about their sexual health. Unfortunately, there are many myths and misconceptions about these topics. These myths can discourage people from taking care of their sexual health.
Let’s list some of the 10 most common myths and misconceptions and reveal the truth.
Myth: Abstinence is the only way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
The Truth: There are many effective methods of contraception available, such as condoms, birth control pills, and IUDs. Abstinence is the only 100% effective method of preventing pregnancy, but it is not always realistic or practical for everyone.
Myth: If you’re a male, you don’t need to worry about contraception.
The Truth: This is not true. Men are also at risk of STIs. Using contraceptives, such as condoms, are effective against these diseases and can also help to prevent pregnancy.
Myth: Condoms don’t work.
The Truth: This is also not true. Condoms are very effective at preventing pregnancy and STIs when used correctly. They can also help prevent the transmission of HIV. When used correctly, condoms are about 98% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Myth: If you miss a birth control pill, you will definitely get pregnant
The Truth: If you miss a birth control pill, you should take it as soon as you remember. If you miss more than one pill, you may need to use backup contraception, such as condoms, until you have taken the pill correctly for seven days.
Myth: Birth control pills make you gain weight
The Truth: This is not true for everyone. Some people may experience weight gain while taking birth control pills, but others may not. The amount of weight gain that someone experiences while taking birth control pills is usually very small.
Myth: If you’ve had your period, you can’t get pregnant.
The Truth: You can get pregnant even if you’ve just had your period. The egg can be fertilized up to 5 days before ovulation, so it’s possible to get pregnant even if you’re not ovulating yet. Additionally, the sperm can live up to 5 days once inside the female reproductive system.
Myth: You can’t get pregnant the first time you have sex
The Truth: You can get pregnant the first time you have sex, even if you are not ovulating.
Myth: If you have an STI, you’ll know it. This is not true.
The Truth: Many STIs, such as herpes and chlamydia, don’t have any symptoms, so you may not know you have them. It’s important to get tested for STIs regularly, even if you don’t think you’re at risk.
Myth: You can’t get STI from oral sex
The Truth: You can’t get an STI from oral sex. This is not true. You can get STIs from oral sex, including HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Additionally, some infections can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact.
Myth: Sexual health education is only for teenagers
The Truth: This is not true. Sexual health education is important for people of all ages. It can help people learn about their bodies, how to prevent pregnancy and STIs, and how to have healthy relationships. It’s especially important for parents to be aware of sexual health education to guide their children as they become curious and start exploring.
Contraception Near Me in Purchase, NY
Adolescent medicine specialists are trained to guide adolescents and their parents through this confusing period of sexual exploration. At BridgeSpan Medicine, our six board-certified pediatricians help families get their adolescents school-ready. As always, we are available to parents and our young patients when physical, mental, and emotional challenges arise. We also emphasize preventive care through routine check-ups, immunizations, on-site lab tests, and more.
We are open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, for your convenience. If you have a question or concern or wish to schedule a physical examination, call us today at (914) 698-5544 or fill out our online appointment request form.
