Adolescent Sexuality

SEXUALITY OVERVIEW Most teens and pre-teens halt a lot of questions near awaken and wakeuality. This is normal and natural. It also is normal to feel shy or embarrassed astir(predicate) raising these issues with adults or healthc be suppliers. versed culture is an consequential part of health, similar to different mea genuines of corp unwritten growth, much(prenominal) as height and weight. Sexual mien, which is related to wakenual development, has important health implications for every virtuosoness, and in particular for teens. It is particularly important that to be well informed closely every aspects of conjure up and familiar health. some(prenominal) basic info on awake and provokeuality is provided in this review, which may answer some questions and raise others. visualise an adult you feel comfort commensurate with perhaps a healthc be provider, p bent, or t individu eachyer to discuss all questions or concerns you may suffer. SEXUALITY WHAT IS I T? human race familiarity is more than(prenominal)(prenominal) than just whether you argon phallic or female, and it is more than just the act of grammatical gender. It is a complex idea that receive-to doe withs your physical make-up, how you conceive of about yourself, and how you feel about others and the society you live in.Here ar some of the things that contri alonee to innerity Anatomic sex Anatomic sex refers to the sex organs with which you were natural. That is, you be either a boy (with a penis and testicles) or a girl (with breasts, a uterus, vagina, and ovaries). Occasion eithery, a violate is born with sex organs that argon non normally essential and/or may appear to resemble both sexes these individuals argon utter to have ambiguous venerealia or to be intersex. Anatomic sex is only one component of cozyity.Gender individuation Gender identity relates to how you feel in spite of appearance, and whether you feel ilk a boy or a girl. Most the great unwashed have a combination of feelings, including some that atomic number 18 thought of as male or masculine and some that atomic number 18 thought of as female or feminine. In jam cases, someone feels broadly like a boy or mostly like a girl. Gender identity and anatomic sex some clippings do not match. For example, a person stool be born as a boy entirely feel like a girl. This is some ms referred to as transgender.Sexual preference Once you begin puberty, you be likely to begin to have strong physical and emotional attractions to others. Sexual orientation refers to whether you are primarily attracted to people of the opposite sex (heterosexual), the akin sex as you (homosexual, gay, or lesbian), or both (bisexual). Sexual orientation is influenced by m any a(prenominal) factors, including your anatomic sex, your gender identity, the society you live in, and other factors, some of which are not exclusively belowstood. Sexual orientation is believed to pull t hrough on a continuum.That is, you may feel mostly attracted to people of the alike(p)(p) sex as you but still have some feelings for people of the opposite sex, or vice versa. These feelings are normal and may spay throughout life. ADOLESCENT SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT Sexual development begins in the pre-teen years and continues into adulthood. The personate produces hormones that get along outward falsifys, including breast development in girls, the appearance of facial hair in boys, and growth of hair under the arms and in the genital area of both boys and girls. However, puberty is more than physical transports.As your body grows into adulthood, your commission of thinking, emotions, and wants and needs leave behind change as well. The factors discussed above (your anatomic sex, your gender identity, and your sexual orientation) provide all effect a part of how these changes affect you as a person. You testament probably start to feel strong attractions toward others. Some s easons these feelings include exploitation friendships with other teen developrs. some other feelings include wanting to be physi bawly close to other person. You may find yourself attracted to someone of the opposite sex, someone of the same sex, or both.Its important to remember that these physical attractions post shift and change and that they develop at different whiles in different people. You may find you are attracted to someone of the same sex for a prison term, so find stronger attractions to someone of the opposite sex. Alternately, the reverse could occur. Over time, most teens lead come to identify themselves as primarily heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual. However, you should not be surprised if you feel confused about some of these issues during your teen years.This time of life may be troubling for teens who begin to identify themselves as homosexual or bisexual, especially if these ideas are not openly original by family members, friends, or the society in which they live. In this case, it is especially important for the teen to find a trusted adult and friends with whom he or she discharge talk openly. Several of the online resources listed below sewer also be of benefit (see Where to find out more nurture below. It also is important to know that in the early years of puberty, its normal to want to experiment with sexual bodily function.This a lot happens out front a teenager is fully aware of how this activity magnate affect his or herself or others. As teens continue to grow and mature, they are better able to make choices about intimacy and physical relationships that impart enhance their lives, rather than making choices that pull up stakes cause problems for themselves or others. Adults in general recommend that teens not rush into sexual activity too soon, but rather wait until they are more mature. (See Health issues related to sex below. ) When you are sexually mature, youll have a more developed sense of your p references and desires.You exit understand the possible consequences of having sexual relationships with others, and you will be ready to get through responsibility for whatever occurs. You will be more ready to submit in the satisfying, intimate relationships that are an important part of life. SEXUAL practise THE FACTS on that point are many ways to express intimacy. Spending time with other person, holding hands, and kissing are all ways to manoeuvre affection and begin to explore physical intimacy. As you develop attractions toward others, you will probably want to explore these and other types of physical intimacy.What might this involve? Most teens have questions about sex and sex acts. Here are some basic facts and definitions, including some important education about sexual boundaries that is, what is and what is not OK as part of a sexual relationship. privates Genitals are the extraneous sex organs that are reasonable to and pelt alongd by being touched, which typically occurs during sexual activity. The male external organs are the penis and scrotum, which holds the testicles (figure 1). The female external organs are the vulva, clitoris, and the opening to the vagina (figure 2).Petting Petting is feeling parts of other persons body. This common landly refers to touching the genitals or other sexually sensitive areas, such as breasts. Orgasm Orgasm is an intensely pleasurable release of emphasis felt in the genital area and elsewhere in the body. It ordinarily responses from stimulation of the genitals. In men and boys, orgasm is associated with the release of semen (called ejaculation), which contains sperm. The circumstance come is a slang word for orgasm. Sexual intercourse In general, this refers to sex involving a mans penis being placed inside a womans vagina.When the man ejaculates during sexual intercourse, this semen is released into the womans vagina. maternity occurs if sperm, contained in the semen, are able to fe rtilize the egg released by a womans ovary. However, semen peck be released even if the man does not have an orgasm. spoken sex ad-lib sex involves employ the mouth and/or tongue to stimulate the genitals. Oral sex put up occur among a man and a woman, amid 2 men, or in the midst of twain women. Anal sex Anal sex is sexual activity involving penetration of the anus (the opening where intestine movements leave the body).A penis or another object is inserted into the anus during anal retentive retentive sex. Both men and women are able to engage in anal sex. Masturbation Masturbation involves using the hands, or sometimes a gismo such as a vibrator or other sex toy, to stimulate ones own or someone elses genitals. Some people believe having sex only means sexual intercourse. precisely other activities, including oral sex, anal sex, or masturbation can also be considered as having sex. Even things like kissing or petting are considered to be sexual activity because the y are part of how one person responds sexually to another person.Sexual boundaries The only kind of sexual activity that is OK is activity that occurs between people who want to have sex with each other. Activity that occurs when a person is alone, such as masturbation, is also OK. If two people are having sex, both of them essential be old sufficient and mature enough to participate without feeling pres trustedd to prove something or fork over something new. If a sex act is cartd upon a person who does not want to participate, this is called rape. Rape is a serious crime that can result in being arrested, spending time in jail, and having a abiding criminal record.Having sex with someone who is not sure they want to have sex can also be called rape. For teens, feelings about sex can be new and confusing. For example, sometimes a person begins kissing or petting but then changes their mind and wants to stop consonant. The other person mustiness always listen, even if it is v ery difficult to stop. It is not harmful to stop sex before orgasm occurs. Teens sometimes get into difficult situations if they are drinking or using drugs and having sex. In these cases, someone may come along to want sex, but they may be too drunk or high to know what they are doing.Later, the sex can be called rape. Teens may be lured into having sex with an adult. It is never OK for an adult to behave in this way. If an adult wants to engage in any type of sexual activity (kissing, petting, oral sex, intercourse), the teen should talk to a parent, healthcare provider, law officer, or other trusted adult at once. Even if you feel like you have done something to cause the adult to be attracted or have sexual feelings, the adult is responsible for imageling his or her behavior, regardless of the circumstances. p last(a)ered state laws, which vary from state to state, impose certain regulations or rules on sexual activity, even among teens. As discussed above, it is always a cri me for anyone to force or coerce you into having sex against your wishes, no matter if it is an adult or someone around your own age. However, in some states, sex between teens below a certain age may also be illegal, even if both people want to have sex. Rules may bet upon the age of both partners and upon the sex of your other partner(s). Before deciding to have sex, speak to a trusted adult about these important issues. health ISSUES RELATED TO SEXThe main reason it is important to postpone sexual activity until you are mature is that sexual activity affects both the physical and emotional health of the people involved. Here are some facts. sexually ancestral transmissions (STIs) There are a number of transmissions that can be spread during sexual activity. Infections can be spread through sexual intercourse, anal sex, oral sex, and using fingers, other body parts, or sex toys that have come in contact with another persons genitals or body fluids. These diseases are called sexually transmit infections, or STIs (often called sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs).Common places STIs can occur are the genital organs, anus, and throat. interrogation has shown that young people are at an increased risk of develop STIs. The reasons for this are not completely understood. However, the younger you are when you start having sex, the more likely it is that you will get an STI. Also, having one STI can make it easier to subscribe to other STIs at the same time. In many cases, you can get an STI and not know it. This is because STIs often do not have any noticeable signs or symptoms. All of the STIs can have serious consequences for future health.For example, a woman who gets an STI may have difficulty becoming significant later in life or may be more prone to developing certain types of cancer, such as cervical cancer. Some of the most important STIs are human immunodeficiency virus HIV ( homophile Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes suppo rt (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). AIDS is a serious, incurable disease of the insubordinate system. Until recently, everyone who developed AIDS died. Although new treatments are now helping many people with HIV infection live longer, there is still no cure for this serious disease or vaccinum to prevent it. many another(prenominal) people still die each year from AIDS.Each year, between 40,000 and 80,000 people are newly infected with HIV. Half of these new infections are in people younger than 25 years old. New recommendations call for those who have been sexually active to be tested routinely for HIV infection. The earlier HIV is detected, the sooner a person can predominate treatment and the better their chances are of survival. Speak to your healthcare provider about HIV testing. (See Patient information Testing for HIV. ) Human papillomavirus Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common STI in adolescents. Most people who get HPV do not know they have it.Some typ es of HPV cause genital warts. Other types of HPV cause cervical cancer in woman, penile cancer in men, and anal cancer in either sex. A Pap stigma is one important way your healthcare provider can cloak for cervical cancer associated with HPV. (See Patient information Condyloma (genital warts) in women and Patient information Cervical cancer screening. ) In addition, there is a vaccine for girls age 9 to 26 years to protect against four common types of HPV. Speak to your healthcare provider about this important vaccine. (See Patient information Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. )Gonorrhea and chlamydia These are serious bacterial infections of the genital tract. They can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which can cause severe pain and can lead to infertility (inability to become pregnant). Both gonorrhea and chlamydia can be cured with antibiotics. It is important to be screened for these infections if you have had sex, because you may not always have sympto ms. (See Patient information Gonorrhea and Patient information Chlamydia. ) Herpes simplex virus This is a viral infection that causes painful or itchy sores or blisters in the genital area.The sores heal but can reappear at any point later in life. There is no cure. The virus can be spread even when there are no blisters present. Medications are available from your healthcare provider to shorten the length of time the blisters last and decrease your risk of repeat outbreaks. (See Patient information Genital herpes virus. ) Hepatitis B virus This is a viral infection that can cause coloured disease. In most cases, the disease resolves after the initial illness. But in some people, serious liver damage or liver failure can occur.Most children and adolescents are being vaccinated against this infection with a series of three shots. You should speak to your healthcare provider if you are not sure if you have had this vaccine. (See Patient information Hepatitis B. ) syph This is an infection caused by a small organism called a spirochete (/SPY-ro-keet/), which can cause an ulcer on a persons genitals or anus. It is fairly uncommon in teens but more common in certain populations. Sometimes you may not notice the ulcer, because it does not usually cause pain or may be on the inside of the vagina (in females) or anus (in both sexes).It is important to see your healthcare provider right away if you notice any sores or ulcers. The sore usually heals but can cause important long-term problems if untreated. Trichomonas Trichomonas (trich) is a common infection caused by a tiny parasite that can cause scabies and/or a discharge from a persons genital organs. Females notice symptoms remote more often than males, although both sexes can be affected and take treatment by a healthcare provider. This infection can be cured with antibiotics. PREVENTING AND SCREENING FOR STIS The only way to be sure you will not get an STI is to not have sex.STIs can be transmitted t hrough sexual intercourse, oral sex, anal sex, and using fingers, other body parts, or sex toys that have come in contact with another persons genitals or body fluids. STIs can be transmitted between a male and a female, between two females, and between two males who have sex. It is not possible to tell by looking at someone whether he or she has an STI. Even if the other person tells you they do not have an STI or says they are clean, you cannot be sure this is true. That is because the person may not know if they are infected.Also, it is common for teens to not be completely truthful about many things in relationships, including whether they may have been exposed to an STI. Condom use People who are sexually active can reduce their risk of getting an STI by using a latex or polyurethane gumshoe every time they have sex. Male condoms are worn on the penis, helping to prevent body fluids from passing to another person. Female condoms are also available, and can be placed in the va gina to help prevent fluids from passing from one person to another. (If a male and female are having sex, only one should wear a condom.If both the male and female wear a condom, the condoms could rub together and move out of place. ) Dental dams are another barrier gismo that can be used when performing oral sex on a female. (See Patient information Barrier methods of kindred master. ) Condoms and dental dams reduce the risk of getting an STI, but they do not take away the risk completely. Condoms can break or leak, allowing passage of body fluids and transmission of infection. In addition, condoms do not completely cover all of the skin that is exposed during sex herpes and HPV can be passed by skin-to-skin contact.Other sustain control methods do not reduce the risk of STIs. You can reduce the risk that a male condom will break or slip off in two ways. First, make sure the penis is completely hard before putting on the condom. Also, be sure to squeeze and hold the fee of th e condom as you roll the rest of it down the penis, making sure there is no air pocket (like a small balloon) at the end of the penis. Immunizations Another way to reduce the risk of two special(prenominal) STIs (HPV and hepatitis B) is to talk to a healthcare provider about immunizations.As antecedently mentioned, most children and adolescents are routinely immunized against hepatitis B in the linked States. The HPV vaccine is now available to females aged nine years and older. keep in line ups Regular check-ups by your healthcare provider are important to all adolescents, but it is particularly important to speak with a healthcare provider if you decide to have sex. This talk should include ways to prevent maternalism and STIs, as well as the need for regular testing for STIs, including HIV.Since STIs can occur in different body sites (genital organs, anus, and throat) and may have no symptoms, it is important to speak honestly with the provider about sexual behavior to get appropriate testing. If your healthcare provider is not comfortable or able to screen you for STIs, ask for a referral to a provider who can. Pregnancy and birth control Pregnancy is a serious consequence of sexual activity between males and females. Each year in the United States, about 1 million adolescents become pregnant. Pregnancy in teens has serious health consequences. Pregnant teens are more likely to have babies who are previous(p) or sick.A pregnant adolescent is more likely to demean out of school and live in poverty. Although some teens who become pregnant choose to have an abortion, this choice also carries risks. As with STIs, the only way a young woman can be sure she will not become pregnant is to not have sexual intercourse. There is no authoritative way to determine a safe time when she will not become pregnant menstrual cycles at this age can be irregular. Teens should know that pregnancy is possible each time they have sexual intercourse, including the first time and during the menstrual period.Birth control methods are available that can reduce the risk of pregnancy. However, birth control methods other than condoms do not reduce the risk of STIs. The most reliable methods (other than abstinence) must be prescribed by a doctor or nurse. These include birth control pills, patches, and injections. Other newer options for females include a vaginal ring that is worn in the vagina or a small device that must be inserted under the skin by a healthcare provider. (See Patient information Hormonal methods of birth control. ) Some methods, such as condoms and contraceptive foam, can be purchased without a prescription.A condom should be used every time you have sex, even if another method is used to prevent pregnancy. (See Patient information Barrier methods of birth control. ) If you use birth control but have an accident (the condom breaks, you forget a pill), you can take a sunrise after pill to reduce the risk of pregnancy. (See Patient in formation soupcon contraception (morning after pill). ) Teens who engage in sexual activity must be sure they have accurate information about the available birth control options. The best time to decide on a method of birth control is before you start having sex.