During high school, a Sexual Education or Health class was a requirement to graduate for most. Students were taught the basic anatomy of both the male and female body, ovulation and menstrual cycles, babies, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Not only were we taught about it, we were also trained to be almost deathly afraid of sex, for it caused so many unfortunate things to happen including teen pregnancy and Chlamydia. This fear was always put at ease with the stern “Always use protection” lecture and different forms of birth control, including celibacy. For many, the constant lectures and fear allowed them to make it through high school “unscathed” while others were not so fortunate.
As teenagers evolve into young adults the topic of sex becomes a norm, especially in college. Many young adults are offered plenty of contraceptives on campus through condom vending machines or a bowl of condoms at their dorm’s front desk. Campuses are urging students to go to the clinic and get tested with the aid of concerts and fundraisers, giving students the extra influence they need.
Using protection and getting tested are great ways to prevent the spreading of STDs around campus, but that is only a start. As the rate of students getting tested increases, so does the rate of students who acquire an STD. As teenagers, we were never taught the importance of knowing our sexual partners. Many people are afraid to ask their partner about their sexual health status, but to know your partner is to ask questions. Knowing your partner is the key to practicing safe sex and making sure that your own sexual health is not in jeopardy. Do not be afraid to ask your partner about their previous partners, if they have gotten tested before, and most importantly, have they ever contracted an STD and if so, has it been properly cured and treated. This is the best way for young adults to not only practice safe sex but make the conversation about sex a safe one as well.
Sex has made an ongoing cameo appearance in literature, movies, and even television. It is obvious that sex will not be going anywhere, so it is our job as young adults to go about sex safely and effectively.