How to improve teens sexual health

Teens that are actively dating have to be considerate of their sexual health. This topic can be a tad off-putting for some, but the fact of the matter is that teens face an unprecedented hormonal surge that can make them act against their best interests. Here are some ways that teens can manage their sexual health during these tumultuous years of their lives.

Dating during puberty

Contrary to popular belief, puberty is a process that lasts for several years, almost until adulthood for many people. During this time, the young people transitioning into adulthood will go through vast emotional development that will often see them interested in romantic relationships. While seeking love with another person can be a very positive experience, it can also be very intense. The emotions that young people feel are heightened a great deal due to the prominent hormonal surges that teens have throughout puberty.

These days, teenagers are often shy about relationships, although many teen dating sites help young people feel more confident. While dating sites do come with certain downsides, such as not being able to see your partner every day, they do have some benefits, such as allowing the teens to consider their actions before acting based on their feelings alone.

Dating during this time can be exceptionally hard for reasons aside from a lack of physical connection to go with the emotional entanglement. The inexperience with love, the pangs of jealousy, and the desire to be with your partner every moment of the day can be exceptionally strong. However, it is important to keep your mind on the moment and make good decisions about your relationships as a teen because they have far-reaching implications for the future.

Don’t forget about contraception

One thing that every teen is tired of hearing is to use protection when they are going to have sex. Again, we go back to that surge of hormones that young people feel, and it’s clear that they do not always think about protection when they’re “in the moment.” That is why it is good to be prepared for the situation.

• Males: remember to wear a condom even if your partner is on birth control. Birth control does not prevent STIs, and you never know if your partner forgot their dose for the day.
• Females: remember to watch your partner put on a condom before you engage in intercourse. Do not fall for the “I cannot feel anything when I’m with you” or “I just want to be closer to you” lines. They’ve all been said before, and a lot of people ended up with unintended pregnancies or STIs. Furthermore, while it can take time to get used to birth control cycles, do your best to set the alarm for it.

Both parties are responsible for having safe sex, and while it’s not comfortable to say: you might have to refuse your partner if they are not willing to abide by safe sex practices. It is not something pleasant to do since your mind will be screaming at you to have sex, but you’ll be happier in the long run if you are responsible for your outcomes.

Build your relationship healthy and safe

When you are in a relationship as a teen, it is your responsibility to build your relationship so that it is healthy and safe. Here are some signs that your relationship is healthy:

• You are free to talk to whomever you want without your partner being jealous
• There is no physical violence or threats of physical violence
• The relationship is progressing at a reasonable rate
• Every partnership is different in this sense
• You can trust your partner to keep your secrets and act in your best interest
• You have physical intimacy that is on your terms
• You can spend time apart from your partner without anger or distrust

These are all signs of a healthy relationship. As we’ve said before, time and time again, one of the biggest issues that people face with romantic relationships as a teen is that they are constantly bombarded with intense feelings as a result of their hormones going crazy. When these strong feelings are combined with relationships, it can create a volatile mix that is not safe or healthy for anyone. That is why you should take some time to carefully ease yourself into a relationship and make sure you are with someone who is level-headed and actually cares about you. If not, then you should talk to someone at school or home that can help you cut off contact with that person.

Starting relationships as a teen is a profound experience. The first people that you love are forever etched in your mind. Your feelings of being in love should not cloud your judgment, though. You should know how to remain safe in a sexual relationship and how a romantic relationship is supposed to be. Don’t waste your time with people that want to put you at risk; it’s never worth it.