I consider myself well educated on the topic of sex education. From reading blog after blog of confusion and misunderstandings about the topic, I want to help educate other people. It's obviously not happening in schools or homes, so I might as well do it here.
First of all, I think it's a good idea to break open some myths and find some truth. I think the biggest fear schools and parents have is the most important myth:
1. Talking about sex will make kids want to have sex and/or feel that they have permission to.
You should know better than that. Tell your parents and educators. I think the best thing is to realize that eventually, a person is going to have sex, and it's best to be prepared for the decision with the knowledge to make the right choice for oneself.
2. Everyone's doing it.
This is a myth used by people to coerce someone that may not be ready or to convince oneself that s/he is ready. First of all, it isn't true, and secondly, well, if everyone fell off a bridge, would you? I understand the confusion of peer pressure, especially when it's from people that you really care about. The one thing you need to realize is that you have to put yourself FIRST, what's best for you?
3. Condoms don't work.
Although this is a widely used teaching among the Abstinence-Only sex educators, it is untrue. It is true that condoms are not 100% effective, when used PROPERLY, male latex condoms have a success rate of 98%, but a total rate of 85%. The effectiveness for a female condom is 95% when used properly, but in reality, 79% effective. The discrepancies are in usage. If people aren't taught to use condoms properly, they can only guess.
I will add here that some STDs are not necessarily blocked by proper use of condoms. These would include HPV (the virus that certain strands can causes genital warts or cervical cancer) and genital herpes. It is important that you do have a partner that you are comfortable enough with to ask questions and be willing to get tested.
I think this enough for now, but I will add more about myths throughout this new mission of mine. If you have questions or comments, you can leave them or send me a message.
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