Say you either had teen kids of your own and you were giving them advice or you were going to give advice/education to say a class
what advice would you give them on how to stay free from diseases and not get pregnant?
(That is the two goals of sex education is it not?)
Would you give different advice if they are religious or if it's a female audience vs male audience?
What advice or information do you think is the most important for people/youth to know?
When I was at school we received sex education in year 7, so I was around 12-13. I don't remember any overt messages on what to DO vs NOT DO.
There was a very heavy focus on male and female anatomy and reproductive function and to a much lesser degree effectiveness of contraceptive methods. Condoms being more heavily promoted (despite being only roughly 80% effective typically).
If I were to give advice I would basically say:
1. Every-time you have (hetero) sex there IS a chance of pregnancy, depending on your specific actions it can be lower or higher. and during specific times for your female partner it can be lower or higher.
2. Get checked for STDs and sexual health before every new sexual partner.
3. Boys, you don't have much options in terms of contraception so it is up to you to look out for yourself and either use a condom PLUS another form of contraception (spermicide is a good option) or at-least withdraw. Be aware of when she IS fertile; 5 days leading up to and a few after and protect yourself especially during this time.
If she has an erratic cycle, you will need to be extra careful and don't rely so much on cycle awareness method. Encourage her to try other more effective methods.
4. Girls, If you don't actively protect yourself, you WILL get pregnant.
Be aware even with contraceptives like the pill, typical success is only around 90% (10% DO still get pregnant). You may forget to take it, you may get ill and it affects it, you may take medication that affects it. Anti-biotics makes the pill not work.
Condoms only 80% effective typically. It MAY slip off, it MAY tear, he MAY not be wearing it properly. So also use something like a spermicide+ condoms or spermicide+pill. Alone spermicide is only 71% effective typically but with the other methods, it really does help. Many girls/women get pregnant from condom slips, breakages and from missing a pill or taking antibiotics with the pill/or being ill. Condom is virtually equal in effectiveness to withdrawal it may surprise you to know.
5. Birth control effectiveness rates:
Implant 0.05% experienced unintended pregnancy
IUD 0.8% experienced unintended pregnancy
Shot 6% experienced unintended pregnancy
Vaginal Ring 9% experienced unintended pregnancy
Birth Control Pills 9% experienced unintended pregnancy
Condoms 18-21% experienced unintended pregnancy
Withdrawal 22% experienced unintended pregnancy
Fertility Awareness 24% experienced unintended pregnancy