What is sexual health?
Taking care of your sexual health means more than being free from sexually transmissible infections (STIs) or an unplanned pregnancy. It also means taking responsibility for your body, your health, your partner’s health and your decisions about sex.
Your body’s changing
When you become a teenager your body changes and develops towards sexual maturity (basically, you go from being a child to an adult). This is called "puberty". There are visible changes to your body as well as changes internally. Girls start having periods every month and breasts grow. For guys, erections become much more frequent and unused sperm that develops in the testes is released in semen during a "wet dream" (usually at night during sleep). Being aware about these changes to your body and knowing they are a normal part of puberty is important.
Being safe with sex
Being safe with sex means caring for the health of both yourself and your partner. This means that you are able to talk freely with your partner, are both ready for sex and have agreed on the use of condoms and a suitable type of contraception. Being safe protects you from getting or passing on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and an unplanned pregnancy. You will enjoy good sexual health if you take care of your genitals (parts of your body that are involved in sex) and avoid any risky behaviour.
Talking about issues around sex is also important for your mental health and well-being. You should feel comfortable talking to your partner and medical professional about anything you are concerned about. Good mental health helps you to enjoy life, enjoy your relationships and enjoy sex.
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