How to Honor Your Sexual health and education
At Project Teenbirth, we believe that teenagers and young adults deserve access to the facts when it comes to sexual health and sex education. Several like-minded organizations have teamed up to introduce Sex Ed For All Month: Accessing Power, Information, and Rights, and we could not be more on board!
“The goal of an awareness month like this is not to tell young people if, when, or how they should (or should not) become parents. Rather, it’s to give young people the information they need to make those types of decisions for themselves.” - SIECUS
Whether you are a young parent, a soon-to-be-parent, or someone who does not wish to be a parent (yet or ever), we are advocating for your access to information and standing in support of your unique journey.
8 Ways to Honor Your Sexual Health and Education
This month, and really ANY time, we invite you to honor your own sexual health and sex education journey. We’ve come up with a list of 8 ways you can.
Spend time with your body. Connect with your body, engage in self-care, move in ways that feel good, acknowledge and explore the parts of your body, as you feel safe and ready to do so. Notice what feels good; notice what your needs and preferences are.
Stay curious. The process of exploring one’s body and sexuality can be life-long practices. We invite you to stay curious about your own experience!
Ask questions, and seek resources from trusted sources. Trusted sources can include sex education teachers, doulas, parents, healthcare professionals, websites, and so on. We encourage you to engage with sources that present non-judgemental, and inclusive information. It’s crucial that your bodily autonomy is supported by these sources.
Be proactive about your body and sexual health. If you are having sex or interested in sex, be informed about your options for birth control. Discuss these options with healthcare professionals. Additionally, have direct and honest conversations with your sexual partners about your wishes in regard to contraception. If you think you might be pregnant, take a test or visit a clinic for testing. Additionally, regular testing for sexually transmitted infections (or STI) is important ongoing care for your body when you are sexually active. Finally, manage your health by attending physicals annually and going to the doctor when you feel unwell.
Take inventory of your sexual preferences. This “yes, no, maybe” inventory from Scarleteen is super comprehensive and a great place to start. You can do this alone, or with a partner, just as you can do this whether you are having sex or abstaining.
Learn about and practice consent. Scarleteen defines sexual consent as “an active, mutual process of willingly and freely deciding and negotiating sex of any kind with someone else. It's also a shared responsibility for everyone who wants to engage in any kind of sexual interaction with someone. When there is a question or invitation about sex of any kind, consent has only been mutually given or affirmed when the answer, on everyone's part, has been a clear and enthusiastic yes.” Read and explore more here.
Engage in relationships that feel healthy and supportive. Healthy relationships involve communication, boundaries, mutual respect, collaboration, and support. If or when a relationship isn’t feeling healthy, it’s time for a change.
Bonus: Advocate for the education you want and need. Perhaps you notice a gap in your school or community’s sexual education. Your voice is needed! Find some ideas for getting started here.
Project Teenbirth is Rooting for You. Our mission at Project Teenbirth (PTB) is not only to support pregnant and parenting teens through pregnancy and birth but to make sure teens are getting evidence-based education regarding reproductive health. If you are a community member or stakeholder, we invite you to support our annual PTB #CommunityLove Run! One hundred percent of the proceeds raised will benefit Project Teenbirth Inc.'s work in the Tampa Bay and surrounding areas. Monies will be used for the purchase of educational tools and resources needed to educate our pregnant and parenting teens through in-person childbirth preparation classes and teen-parenting workshops. Registration is now open— be sure to visit our PTB #CommunityLove Run event page and follow our Facebook page for event details!
Finally, if you are a teen who would like support in taking the first steps towards honoring your sexual health and education, please reach out. We are here for you!
Author: Courtney Harris is a witness, space-holder, supporter, and caregiver for families of all types and in all stages; she has worked with youth and their families since 2008. Currently, Courtney serves as a Life Coach for Teens and a Companion for Birth and Beyond. She is passionate about honoring life’s transitions and believes that all birthing people deserve compassionate, steady, and informed support throughout their unique reproductive journeys. You can connect with Courtney here and across all social media platforms at @companioncourtney.