Social Expectations Frustrating Safe Sex Message

Many people around the world are already aware of the dangers of teenage pregnancy and unprotected sexual encounter.

It’s even regarded as common knowledge since these problems can be seen in many countries, developed or undeveloped. Anyone old enough can even say the dangers attached to this practice.

But a study released by a “The Lancet” reveals that the idea related to teenage pregnancy and unprotected sex is not actually adopted in many cultures.

Some acknowledge that there is danger in teenage sex and unprotected intercourse but many simply ignore the fact. This means some cultures are more susceptible to the sexually transmitted diseases and effects of underage sexual intercourse.

Another finding released by the journal is the factor that increases sexually transmitted diseases. Popular conception suggests that sexually active individuals are prone to this type of diseases.

People with multiple partners might contract and spread this disease because some prefers to experience intimacy without any protection. This can be observed in developed countries wherein being sexually active is considered a lifestyle.

But even though countries that have the most sexually active individuals do not have the highest rate of sexually transmitted disease. HIV/AIDS are never prevalent in developed countries where multiple partners should be expected.

This condition is still high in Asia and Africa. Because of this finding, economic standing has become the major factor in determining which countries and cultures are more susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases instead of sexual lifestyle.

The most startling finding of The Lancet is the common perception of the presence of condom as a means of protection among teenagers in developed countries.

While it is true that they are aware of the dangers of unprotected sexual encounter many are still hesitant to use condoms because of the perception they might give out in the society.

For example, teenage girls are unwilling to carry condoms in various social events because they don’t want to be dubbed as promiscuous and teenage boys do not want to carry around the same form of protection because it’s not manly.

This social pressure to teenagers has prevented use of condoms in sexual intimacy among teenagers which could lead to unplanned pregnancy and even sexually transmitted diseases.

These findings on sexual behavior among teenagers should help in refocusing the topics that should be discussed in sex education. Teenagers already know the benefits of using condoms and even abstaining from sex altogether. The media and other forms of communication are continuously providing that information.

What should be done in sex education classes is to try to dispel the social scorn for those who are trying to protect themselves in case sexual encounter happens. Teenagers are emotional and sexual encounters can happen even with all the messages of the danger of early intimacy.

But the serious, sometimes fatal, results of teenage sex can be prevented if condom is used during interaction. This is a very challenging task for educators and parents since they will try to change a perception but it can be done through constant counseling and open communication.