Sexuality

BikiCrumbs: Sexuality

Sexual orientation

Many young people participate in same-sex relationships as part of sexual exploration.
Majority of young people will identify as heterosexuals in their adult life.
This young sexual stage can be confusing, especially if faced with heterosexual expectations from families, peers and teachers.
Young people who identify as homosexuals and bisexuals can become withdrawn and feel isolated and display depressive and self-harm behavior.
Important that people learn to value themselves as unique individuals.

Time between childhood and adulthood is characterized by an exploration of sexual identity.
Can be a confusing time.
Can be physically prepared to engage in sexually activity, but not emotionally ready.
Sexual exploration involves young people learning about and understanding their sexual organs and the physical changes that they are experiencing.
Kissing, sexual fantasy, masturbation, petting, oral sex and sexual intercourse are all part of this sexual learning progress.
Communication between the individual and their partner is very important and both should have discussed it thoroughly before engaging in any kind of sexual activity.

As part of developing a personal and sexual identity, young people must experience a range of sexual and affectionate experiences.
28% of 17-18 year olds have had sexual intercourse.
Young people from low socio-economic backgrounds are more likely to participate in early intercourse.
Males are more likely to participate in and support multiple relationships, whereas young females are generally more involved in only one sexual relationship at a time.

The number of young females giving birth has decreased significantly. This is due to the availability of contraception and abortion.
Educational awareness may also be another factor that has contributed to the decreasing number of births.
The impact of pregnancy varies – depending on whether a young mother chooses abortion, parenting or adoption.
Young women have higher complication rates and are more likely to suffer from premature delivery and labor complications.
A young woman is twice as likely to have an underweight baby.
Pregnancy in young women is often a result of inexperience and lack of understanding of their reproductive cycle.
For young women to choose to parent their baby, housing and financial support can create a problem. The parents of the young women may withdraw their support and the biological father may not accept responsibilities and leave the mother to raise the child single-handedly.

Removing the fetus from the uterus by medical procedures.
Deciding whether or not to abort can be a traumatic decision or s relief for some young people.
In 1996, approx. 40% of young women chose abortion.
Young women must be aware of their options regarding pregnancy and if they choose abortion, it is essential that consult a qualified medical practitioner.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus attacks the body’s immune system and results in the young person being susceptible to infection and diseases such as pneumonia, cancer and nervous system disorders.
Incidence of disease in Australia decreasing.
Unprotected sexual activity and sharing needles are the primary risk factors for contracting HIV/AIDS
Blood borne diseases such as hepatitis B and C are increasing in Australia’s youth population. With increasing intravenous drug use, more young people are likely to be infected by these diseases.

Lack of safe sex practices is particularly high among young people.
As a result of low levels of confidence initiating condom use and incorrect health beliefs, young people participate in high-risk sexual behavior.
Lack of knowledge of signs and symptoms of STDs and low perception of risk result in the young people becoming infected with sexually transmitted diseases.
The consequences of being infected with a STD vary – depending on the severity of the disease and the young person’s ability to cope with the problem.
Young people might be embarrassed to seek medical treatment.
The “Teen Screen Youth Outreach Project” is an example of a health program that focuses on sexual health education for young people living in the central coast of NSW.

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