Why Sexual Health Matters
When it comes to sex—of any kind—being safe isn’t just about avoiding pregnancy or diseases. It’s also about protecting your emotional, mental, and physical well-being. You deserve to feel safe, respected, and informed before doing anything sexual.
This chapter will explain how to stay safe, what protection options are out there, and how to take care of your body—whether or not you're sexually active.
What Are STIs?
STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) are infections that can be passed from one person to another during sexual contact. They can spread through vaginal, oral, or anal sex, and even through skin-to-skin contact in some cases.
Common STIs include:
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
HIV
Herpes
Syphilis
Many STIs have no symptoms at first, which means people can pass them without knowing. That’s why protection is so important—even if both people “feel fine.”
Using Protection
Protection helps lower the risk of STIs and, for heterosexual sex, pregnancy. Here are some common and effective options:
Condoms (external)
Worn over the penis.
Protect against both pregnancy and STIs.
Available in most pharmacies and sometimes free at clinics.
Internal Condoms
Worn inside the vagina or anus.
Less common but still effective.
Dental Dams
A thin square of latex used during oral sex (usually for vulvas or anuses).
Protects against STIs that can spread through oral contact.
Gloves
Used during manual sex (especially with fingernails or sex toys).
Helps avoid small cuts or the spread of infections.
Birth Control (for pregnancy prevention only)
Includes pills, patches, shots, IUDs, and more.
Does not protect against STIs, so they’re best used with condoms.
If you’re thinking about becoming sexually active, it's smart to visit a doctor or health clinic to ask questions and get more information. Many places offer confidential visits for teens.
Getting Tested
If you're sexually active—or even thinking about it—it’s a good idea to get tested for STIs regularly. This can be done at:
Health clinics
Planned Parenthood
Family doctors
Some school health centers
Getting tested doesn’t mean you’re “dirty” or “promiscuous.” It means you care about your health and your partner’s, which is responsible and mature.
Taking Care of Your Body
Know your body. If something feels off—like itching, burning, or unusual discharge—talk to a healthcare provider.
Keep things clean. Wash your hands before and after touching genitals. Clean sex toys before sharing or reuse.
Use protection every time. Even “just this once” can be risky.
Emotional Safety Counts Too
Sexual safety isn’t only about your body—it’s about your feelings and mental health.
Make sure:
You feel ready and not pressured.
Your partner listens and respects your boundaries.
You feel good about the decision afterward—not confused or regretful.
If you ever feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or hurt by something sexual that happened, talk to a trusted adult, school counselor, or health professional. You're not alone, and there are people who care and want to help.
What If Something Goes Wrong?
If a condom breaks, if you had unprotected sex, or if you’re worried about pregnancy or STIs:
Don’t panic.
Talk to someone you trust.
Go to a clinic or doctor as soon as possible for advice and support.
There are emergency options, like the morning-after pill (for pregnancy) and PEP (post-exposure medicine to reduce HIV risk), but they work best when taken quickly.
Being Smart Is Being Safe
Caring for your sexual health doesn’t mean you’re planning to have sex. It means you’re being responsible, educated, and ready to make the best decisions for yourself.
You deserve to know how to protect your body and your emotions—because your health matters.
In Chapter 7, we’ll talk about relationships—what healthy ones look like, how to handle breakups, and how sex can (or can’t) affect love. But first, take a moment and show yourself what you have learned.
Thinking Questions:
1. What are some signs that a person is emotionally ready to become sexually active?
2. How does respecting someone’s boundaries help build trust?
3. Why is it important to understand emotional safety before becoming physically intimate?
4. What might someone do if they are unsure about whether they are ready for sex?
5. How can a person clearly express that they are not ready for sex?