Sex is a part of many people’s day to day lives. It is a perfectly normal, exciting and fun thing to do, but it also carries many risks. Understanding the risks is key to having the safest and best sex possible.
WHY IS SEX IMPORTANT
Sex itself is a natural act, and we need it in order to survive. It is a desire and a necessity because it allows us to have children. There are also many health benefits: it lowers stress, reduces the risk of depression and is a good form of exercise.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE RISKS?
It is very common for diseases to be passed on through sex. These diseases are called STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) and can lead to infertility and pain in the genital areas. Sex can also cause pregnancy, which can cause issues if unplanned.
HOW CAN YOU AVOID THESE RISKS
The main way to prevent both diseases and pregnancy is through the use of condoms. There are condoms for both males and females, but they are more commonly used by men. There are other ways to prevent pregnancy, but unlike condoms they do not protect you from disease.
Some people prefer to have sex without condoms. If you choose to do this, in order to protect yourself and others it is important to check whether you or your partner have STDs. Processes such as HIV testing can do this. These take place at local health care facilities and anyone can be tested. In Nigeria, for instance, churches offer pregnant women tests for HIV and syphilis.
WHY IS SEX EDUCATION IMPORTANT?
Many people do not know the risks associated with having sex or how to protect themselves. If everyone was taught about how to have safe sex, the number of people with STDs and the number of unwanted pregnancies would be much lower.
We can decide whether to have sex or not to have sex, to use a condom or not to use a condom. It is our choice. However, we should make these choices with an understanding of the risks that are present. This is the purpose of sex education and can help improve healthy and safe sex.
