Sexuality and adolescence Initiation of sexual intimacy

1. Adolescence is a time of great physiological,
emotional and psychological change. It is a time of
exploration, emancipation, and a search for
self-identity. Sexual intimacy is one aspect of
accomplishing this transition.
2. Many women, especially teenagers, define
themselves by their relationships to others. Having
sexual relations may cement these relationships.
3. In the USA, more than three-quarters of boys
and two-thirds of girls have had sexual intercourse
by their senior year of high school. Nearly half
of all 15–19 year olds have had sex at least once.1
By age 19, 70% of teenagers have had sex.
4. US teenagers are waiting longer on average to
have sex than they did previously. Three-quarters
of girls state that they started sex in the context of
a relationship with a “steady” boyfriend.1
5. The onset of sexual intimacy varies among
adolescents. Peer pressure, feelings of love and
attraction, curiosity, and wanting to be “grown
up,” are all among the reasons cited by teenagers
for initiating sexual experimentation.2 Family
factors such as divorce or single-parent homes and
abuse also influence the initiation of sexual
activity.3 Environmental and behavioral factors
such as drug and alcohol use, delinquency, poor
self-esteem, and decline in school grades have also
been linked to premature sexual experimentation
among adolescents.4
6. Physicians should be sensitive to the issue of
emerging and possible confusing sexuality in gay
and lesbian adolescents. As many as 10% of all
adolescents have concerns about sexual identity
issues.5
7. In some teenage girls, sexuality is related to poor
self-esteem. Reminding them that they have a
right to refuse, to enjoy, and to request is
important.
STDs and pregnancy
1. Relatively few adolescents admit to planning
sexual encounters. However, more sexually
experienced teenagers are using contraceptives
and most of these are using condoms, especially at
first intercourse.
2. Lack of comfort with their bodies, poor
self-image, and embarrassment may interfere with
a teen’s willingness to consider contraception.
3. Teens may be reluctant to discuss these issues with
their physicians. Establishment and assurances of
confidentiality and its limits will help create an
atmosphere of trust.
4. Adolescents, especially those who begin their
sexual activity at a younger age, are more likely to
have multiple sexual partners over time,
exhibiting a type of serial monogamy, which also
places them at a higher risk for STDs or
pregnancy.
5. Adolescents need reassurance of their normality
and the normality of their concerns, reaffirmation
of the need for contraception and prevention of
STDs, and confirmation for their right to
enjoyment and lack of pain and ability to refuse.
6. Exploring the teen’s understanding of sexuality,
including dreams, fantasies, homosexual thought,
masturbation, hormonal and body changes,
reproduction, contraception and prevention of
STDs is important.

Posted in: Health,Sexuality,Sexuality through the life-cycle