Sex education: building knowledge, confidence and healthy societies

Sex education: building knowledge, confidence and healthy societies

Sex education is learning about:

• The body
• Human reproduction
• Relationships
• Importance of consent
• Sexual health and hygene
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The pillars of good sex education are:

• It has to be appropriate for the age group targeted
• Scientifically and medically accurate
• Culturally sensitive

What does sexual education encompass:

1. Learning about anatomy and puberty:

**male reproductive system

**female reproductive system

**body changes during puberty

**the menstrual cycle

**sperm production

**different hormonal changes

2. Fertility and reproduction:

**how pregnancy happens

**ovulation and fertile window

3. Contraception:

**condoms

**birth control hormonal pills

**intrauterine contraceptive devices

**emergency contraception

Ladies should also be taught about the proper use of each method and the effectiveness.

4. Sexually transmitted infections:

** method of spread

**how to prevent it

**testing for STIs

**treatment

**role of vaccines

5. Consent in healthy sexual relationships:

**the importance of consent during any sexual encounter

**respecting boundaries

**definition of rape

**communication skills

**identifying abusive behavior

**that consent must be freely given and is reversible

Why is sex education important?

• Reduces unwanted pregnancy rates
• Prevents STIs transmission
• Encourages adolescent to delay early sexual activity
• Improves relationships between couples
• Encourages safer behavior

Knowledge is power, sex education not only protects individuals, but also contributes to building generations with better understanding of healthy relationships and healthy body image.

Dr Najeeb Layyous  F.R.C.O.G

Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist