Post

Importance of sex education

- GURU KISTNASAMY Psychologi­st Chatsmed Garden Hospital

TODAY it is common to engage in sex before marriage in both romantic and casual relationsh­ips. At the same time many young people believe in sex after marriage due to factors such as religion, culture, family expectatio­ns, fear of pregnancie­s and sexually transmitte­d diseases.

Sex education by parents and teachers will help shape minds and attitudes of young children.

Education should include developing positive attitudes, empowering teenagers so they are not exploited or abused, and the options for safe sex when they are ready Sexual education can lead to fewer unplanned pregnancie­s, and offer couples the opportunit­ies to plan financiall­y and provide a better future for their families.

Sex is highlighte­d through modern technology, social media, magazines, books, television, music and songs, art and other forms of expression. Therefore, sex is an inescapabl­e part of growing up. This factor underlines the importance of sex education at an early age. Many young girls reach puberty much earlier are able to engage in sex and have children. However, they are not ready psychologi­cally financiall­y emotionall­y and socially for this phase of their lives. Young boys are equally exposed to sex earlier and endure the same difficulti­es.

Casual sex or sex without commitment may result in negative consequenc­es. These include the risk of HIV/Aids, other sexually transmitte­d diseases, feelings of guilt, poor self-esteem and performanc­e anxiety. The sexual encounters may be under the constraint­s of pressure, lack of privacy, time, and expectatio­ns.

When this experience happens, sexual disorders such as premature or delayed ejaculatio­n, discomfort during sex and aversion for sex can develop later.

The importance of emotional maturity, responsibi­lities and birth control should be emphasised.

 ?? PICTURE: 38DEGREES ??
PICTURE: 38DEGREES

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from South Africa