Knowledge is Power: A Look at Sex Education

I have wondered for quite some time why sex is such a taboo subject. I completely agree with the notion that it is an intimate act between consenting individuals however, sex is a natural process. The majority of society partakes, so why is there such a stigma when it comes to sex knowledge. I truly believe knowledge is power. Knowledge about sex allows people who are and are not sexually active to make informed decisions that are right for their lifestyles. Whether that means, whether or not they want to or are ready for sex, what method of birth control is or would be suitable for them as well as the potential outcomes (pregnancy, STI’s, emotional outcomes, etc.) that are associated with being sexually active.

Sexual Education is vitally important to society. It is especially important for teens. Western society is becoming sexually active at a younger and younger age. It has been shown that the younger you are at first sexual act the less knowledgeable you are about sex, and the greater the risk they are putting themselves in in regards to pregnancy, STI’s and emotional distress. Sex needs to be reclaimed as natural, not taboo. We cannot stop these teens from partaking in sexual acts, to me that seems unrealistic, but we can give them the knowledge make informed decisions.

While society feels we don’t need this education, it is often left up to us to find. However what you hear through the grapevine or find in books or the web is not always creditable. For this reason I have found a couple websites that are creditable. Hope they help you. The first website is Bedsider, which outlines the reasons why birth control can be advantageous as well as provides a chart as to which methods are best for which lifestyle as well as some of the pro’s and con’s associated with each. I would highly recommend this website if you have any questions regard birth control. Another website for a rounded view of sexual health is the Calgary Sexual Health Center. It is a local sexual health center that provides an overview of sexual health from gender identity to what to do if you believe you are pregnant. If society won’t provide you with the knowledge, don’t be afraid to educate yourself. Knowledge is truly power.