Sexual Health
key facts
- Young people are becoming sexually active at an earlier age.
- Up to 17% of 13 year olds and up to 50% of 17 year olds have had sexual intercourse.
- New Zealand has the second highest rate of teenage pregnancy of any developed country.
- Up to 14% of young people in the Bay of Plenty between the ages of 15-24yrs have Chlamydia (STI).
- 25 per 1000 women aged between 15-19yrs had an abortion in 2005.
- Youth2007 survey found that 7.8% of young people identified that they were attracted to the same sex, both sexes (4.2%), neither sex or were unsure (3.6%. Only 40% of those had ‘come out’.
sexual orientation
Some of our kids, for the first time, may realise that their attractions are not heterosexual (to the opposite sex). An attraction is not something we choose, but is a spontaneous feeling. How might they feel about that realization? We don’t turn our kids gay or lesbian they just are. While this may be challenging to our own values and beliefs as parents, we need to think how can we be supportive, at a time that may be difficult for them. There is a parents' organisation called P.F.L.A.G. which can provide information and support for parents. There are also support groups for young people who may be feeling isolated and confused.
Contact Shelley for information - 0800 783 379, or by email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it - she will help you.
sex pressure
Young people are constantly receiving messages about how to behave sexually from the media, youth culture, friends and family, music and religion. These messages can be exciting and persuasive; misleading, conflicting and confusing. Along with the production of hormones at puberty, these messages can create new sometimes conflicting behaviour. Through open and honest communication you as parents can increase awareness and encourage your teenager to make informed, healthy sexual choices. Resources to help you are available from your family Planning Health Promotion Service, just give them a call.
relationship break ups
Watching the emotional roller coaster of intimate relationships and your teenager can be more exhausting than your own!
Some ways we can help to support the end, or the lows of relationships the we can share with our teens are:
Express – tell it, write it or find someone safe to talk to.
Analyse – think about it and be honest in your expectations and mistakes – we all learn about ourselves through relationships.
Self Talk – positively encourage yourself through this time – be on your side!
Express some more - you are grieving, it may take time to focus on your life again.
Do your own thing – be you! Do things that make you feel good and strengthen who you are.
contraception
A wide range of contraceptive options are available to prevent unplanned pregnancy. Family Planning offers afree service to people under 22 to help them keep safe. Make condoms available in your home. Share with your young person your own values, beliefs and the expectations you have of them, but also say 'however if you decide to become sexually active please protect yourself. These are the reasons why…. and I will always have condoms here that you can access without judgment, so that you can keep yourself as safe as possible. Tell them, that If they should ever have a worry or a concern they can come to you for help.
Contraception can be available to anyone of any age who is having sex or thinking of having sex.
condoms
Help prevent against pregnancy.
Help prevent against STIs including HIV.
Need to be accessible to sexually active young people. Learning to be comfortable handling them before they are ever needed is a good idea.
Research tells us availability does not increase sexual activity. Lack of access is a barrier to youth health.
Condoms are available from FPA, Tauranga Sexual Health, GPs/Doctors, supermarkets, chemists, service stations and vending machines.
emergency contraceptive pill (ecp)
It used to be known as ‘The Morning After Pill’ but in fact it is best taken within the first 24 hours of having sex. Don’t wait till the morning after! But ….it is effective after this time as well. It can be obtained from doctors, chemists, Family Planning.
The ECP can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, or condom breakage..
unplanned pregnancy
The young woman will need support and someone to talk to.
Options:
The choices are to continue the pregnancy and parent the child, adoption or guardianship, or to request an abortion.
It is legal for a woman of any age to seek or refuse to consent to an abortion, without her parent/guardian’s consent. Whatever a young woman chooses she needs loving support. A Health Professional will encourage a teenager to speak to their parents.
In some places around the country 'Abortion pills are available. This means the women can have a very early abortion much earlier than a surgical one. These are not free, like a surgical termination is. If you want to know more about this contact your Family Planning centre, they can advise you.
child support
When a young man has been identified as the father he must pay Child Support. This is for 18 years but parenthood doesn’t stop at 18.
sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) STIs, chlamydia, genital warts and gonorrhoea are increasing among young people.
STIs can lead to infertility and pregnancy complications.
STIs may have no signs or symptoms and be unnoticed, but they are still there causing damage.
STI signs
Sometimes they do have signs that tell us that we have them. They can cause a discharge - stuff that normally doesn’t, come out of the vagina or penis, itching or bleeding, pain in your tummy, or testes, blisters, lumps or rashes, pain when peeing.
If anything is unusual we should have it checked out.
The risk of getting an STI, including HIV, is greatly reduced by using a condom during sex.
HPV
99.7% of cervical cancer and cervical lesions are caused by Human Papillumavirus (HPV).
Worldwide, up to 70% of sexually active adults may become infected with HPV during their lifetime.
Girls and young women between 9 – 26 years can be vaccinated against HPV. Vaccination is most effective before the onset of sexual activity and requires three injections.
sex education
Schools are required to implement the Health and Physical Education curriculum which Includes age appropriate sexuality education. Sexuality education is holistic and appropriate to the age of the child, not just about sex.
The curriculum is compulsory for all students up to the end of year 10, (4th form). Parents and guardians retain the right to withdraw their child from attending sex education lessons. The request must be made in writing to the Principal. However school does not undermine the learning you give your children at home. Parents are key educators of their own children through conversations and role modelling, using school learning as a discussion starter is a great way to reinforce your own values and beliefs. Your child's values and knowledge may contribute greatly to the classroom learning.
Outside providers can be used by schools to teach this e.g. YrChoice, Attitude, Family Planning
Assistance and advice for all matters concerning adolescent sexual health:
Family Planning Health Promotion Service/ Family Planning Clinic: 792 Devonport Rd. Tauranga. 07 578 8120
Tauranga Sexual Health, Jacaranda House, Tauranga Hospital. 07 579 8157
Pregnancy Counselling Services 07 577 6880
GPs/Doctors
Student Health Centres
GR8MATES is a website for teenagers supporting friends who have had an unwanted sexual experience www.gr8mates.org.nz
Family Planning Association website ‘The Word’... on sex, life and relationships, is designed for young people from age 12. Check out www.theword.org.nz
YrChoice - Sex education using young adult presenters in local high schools www.yrchoice.co.nz
