Decide
What is teen sexual health?
Teen sexual health is about how sex affects your physical and emotional health. It means knowing how to form healthy relationships and making decisions about sex that are right for you.
As your body changes during puberty, how you think, feel, and interact with others also changes. You may have new feelings and thoughts about sex. Understanding who you're becoming as a sexual young adult is also part of teen sexual health. For some teens, that includes understanding gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation.
For all teens, taking responsibility for sexual health is part of growing up. Whether you choose to have sex or wait, responsibility includes knowing about:
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- Birth control
- What a healthy relationship is
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites that spread from person to person, usually during vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Some STDs are spread by skin-to-skin contact. Without treatment, some STDs can cause long-term health problems.
There are more than 20 types of STDs, including:
- Chlamydia
- Genital herpes
- Gonorrhea
- HIV
- HPV (human papillomavirus)
- Pubic lice
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
STDs don't always cause symptoms. So it is possible to have an infection without knowing it and then pass it on to someone else. The only way to know for sure whether you have an STD is to get tested.
How can I reduce my chances of getting a sexually transmitted disease (STD)?The most reliable way to avoid infection is to not have vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Saying "no" to sex is the right choice for many teens.
If you decide to have sex, "safer sex" practices will lower your chance of getting an STD. They include:
- Talking with your partner about preventing STDs and getting tested before having sex. If you can't talk about STDs, you aren't ready to have sex.
- Getting the HPV vaccine. You can be vaccinated between ages 9 and 26.
- Using condoms correctly every time you have vaginal, oral, or anal sex:
- External (male) latex condoms provide the best protection against STDs. If you or your partner is allergic to latex, you can use polyurethane condoms.
- Internal (female) condoms, made of nitrile, are placed inside the body (vagina or anus). They may be less effective against STDs than latex external condoms.
- Don't use both type of condoms together because that increases the chance they'll rip
- Use a dental dam (a square piece of latex, polyurethane, or nitrile) to protect the mouth during oral sex
- Having sex with only one person who has sex only with you (mutual monogamy). But first, both of you should get tested for STDs.
- Not mixing alcohol or drugs with sex. You need to think clearly to make safer choices about sex.
The only sure way to avoid pregnancy is not to have vaginal sex.
If you decide to have vaginal sex, birth control can help prevent pregnancy. There are many types of birth control that work in different ways. Your health care provider can help you choose birth control that's best for you.
Condoms are the only birth control method that protects against STDs. But condoms alone aren't the most effective form of birth control. It's safest to use condoms with another form of birth control to prevent both STDs and pregnancy.
What is a healthy relationship?Healthy sex starts with a healthy relationship, so it's important to take an honest look at how you and your partner treat each other. Your relationship may be healthy if it includes:
- Respect. You and your partner value each other's feelings. Neither of you pressure the other to do things they don't want to do.
- Trust and honesty. You always tell the truth and trust your partner to do the same.
- Good communication. You feel safe talking openly about your feelings, STDs, and other relationships. And you both listen.
Your relationship may be unhealthy if it includes:
- Jealousy and control. One of you wants to make all the decisions and tries to keep the other from spending time with their friends and family.
- Disrespect. One of you makes fun of the other person's ideas and feelings.
- Pressure. One of you tries to bully the other into doing sexual things they don't want to do.
- Violence. Hitting, shoving, grabbing, and sexual assault should never be part of a relationship. If you don't know how to end a violent relationship, get help.
Your decisions about sex can affect your future health. Make sure that you know the facts so you can decide what is right for you.
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Felter's Materia Medica on Decide
ALOEALOE
The dried juice of the leaves of several species of Aloe: (1) Aloe Perryi, Baker; (2) Aloe vera, Linné; (3) Aloe ferox, Miller. (Nat. Ord.... / ...orpor of the hemorrhoidal veins, it may be improved by laxative doses of aloes or aloin. Aloes is a decidedly useful but much abused medicine in chronic or habitual constipation. As stated above only ... / ...in the mental state often will be commensurate with the betterment of the intestinal torpor. 1
The dried juice of the leaves of several species of Aloe: (1) Aloe Perryi, Baker; (2) Aloe vera, Linné; (3) Aloe ferox, Miller. (Nat. Ord.... / ...orpor of the hemorrhoidal veins, it may be improved by laxative doses of aloes or aloin. Aloes is a decidedly useful but much abused medicine in chronic or habitual constipation. As stated above only ... / ...in the mental state often will be commensurate with the betterment of the intestinal torpor. 1
ARNICA MONTANA
The dried flower-heads of Arnica montana, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). A perennial of Siberia and the cooler parts of Europe; also found in... / ...m overexertion. Debility with enfeebled circulation." (American Dispensatory.) Action.Arnica is a decided irritant to the skin, under some circumstances producing marked dermal irritation, deepening...1
The dried flower-heads of Arnica montana, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). A perennial of Siberia and the cooler parts of Europe; also found in... / ...m overexertion. Debility with enfeebled circulation." (American Dispensatory.) Action.Arnica is a decided irritant to the skin, under some circumstances producing marked dermal irritation, deepening...1
BALSAMUM PERUVIANUM
A balsam obtained from Toluifera Pereirae (Royle) Baillon. San Salvador in Central America; called Balsam of Peru because first exported to Europe... / ...he genuine balsam. A good and true product allays dermal irritation and that of the mucosa, and has decided antiseptic and parasitic properties. Large doses cause gastro-intestinal irritation, with vo... / ...balsam should not be used in inflammatory or febrile conditions; and its use should be discontinued if it produces gastro-intestinal irritation.1
A balsam obtained from Toluifera Pereirae (Royle) Baillon. San Salvador in Central America; called Balsam of Peru because first exported to Europe... / ...he genuine balsam. A good and true product allays dermal irritation and that of the mucosa, and has decided antiseptic and parasitic properties. Large doses cause gastro-intestinal irritation, with vo... / ...balsam should not be used in inflammatory or febrile conditions; and its use should be discontinued if it produces gastro-intestinal irritation.1
BERBERIS VULGARIS
The bark of the root and the berries of Berberis vulgaris, Linné (Nat. Ord. Berberidaceae). Europe, Asia, and the United States. Common Names:... / ... The decoction is employed for this purpose, and is equally efficient in aphthous sore mouth. It is decidedly tonic and if pushed, purgative. Used short of its cathartic action it is of value in non-o...1
The bark of the root and the berries of Berberis vulgaris, Linné (Nat. Ord. Berberidaceae). Europe, Asia, and the United States. Common Names:... / ... The decoction is employed for this purpose, and is equally efficient in aphthous sore mouth. It is decidedly tonic and if pushed, purgative. Used short of its cathartic action it is of value in non-o...1
BOLETUS
The fungus Polyporus officinalis, Fries (Boletus laricis, jacquin). (Nat. Ord. Fungi.) Asia, Eastern Europe, and Central America. Common Names:... / ...n and Therapy.This fungus is remarkable for the high per cent (79) of resins it contains. It is a decided nerve stimulant and antiperiodic. Boletus is but little used, but occasionally will be neede... / ...is one of the most effectual of antihydrotics. In 113 grain doses it controls the thirst, cough, and the excessive sweating of consumptives.1
The fungus Polyporus officinalis, Fries (Boletus laricis, jacquin). (Nat. Ord. Fungi.) Asia, Eastern Europe, and Central America. Common Names:... / ...n and Therapy.This fungus is remarkable for the high per cent (79) of resins it contains. It is a decided nerve stimulant and antiperiodic. Boletus is but little used, but occasionally will be neede... / ...is one of the most effectual of antihydrotics. In 113 grain doses it controls the thirst, cough, and the excessive sweating of consumptives.1
BRYONIA
... soreness, especially when the viscera are involved. Bryonia is of especial value in fevers, and is decidedly a remedy for the typhoid. state. Many cases of severe typhoid fever may be carried through....... In fact, it is a medicine that gives the best results from minute doses. In fevers the patient is decidedly apathetic, the secretions are scant and vitiated, the nervous system markedly depressed, a......asilar region, and irritative cough. It is a splendid agent for cold in the chest. It is the most decidedly efficient remedy we possess for acute pleurisy, being usually given with, or in alternatio...1
... soreness, especially when the viscera are involved. Bryonia is of especial value in fevers, and is decidedly a remedy for the typhoid. state. Many cases of severe typhoid fever may be carried through....... In fact, it is a medicine that gives the best results from minute doses. In fevers the patient is decidedly apathetic, the secretions are scant and vitiated, the nervous system markedly depressed, a......asilar region, and irritative cough. It is a splendid agent for cold in the chest. It is the most decidedly efficient remedy we possess for acute pleurisy, being usually given with, or in alternatio...1
CAFFEA
The seeds of Caffea arabica, Linné (Nat. Ord. Rubiaceae). Native of Arabia-Felix and Ethiopia; and extensively cultivated in Asia and America... / ...failure; sense of exhaustion; headache, with cerebral hyperemia or congestion. Action.Coffee is a decided cerebral stimulant and energizer. It also increases reflex activity of the spinal cord. Used... / ...preferably without sugar or cream; for use in narcotic poisoning very strong, black coffee may be given freely, both by mouth and per rectum.1
The seeds of Caffea arabica, Linné (Nat. Ord. Rubiaceae). Native of Arabia-Felix and Ethiopia; and extensively cultivated in Asia and America... / ...failure; sense of exhaustion; headache, with cerebral hyperemia or congestion. Action.Coffee is a decided cerebral stimulant and energizer. It also increases reflex activity of the spinal cord. Used... / ...preferably without sugar or cream; for use in narcotic poisoning very strong, black coffee may be given freely, both by mouth and per rectum.1
CAMPHORA
A stearopten (having the nature of a ketone) derived from Cinnamomum Camphora. (Linné), Nees et Ebermeier (Nat. Ord. Lauraceae). China and... / ... diseases. Alone or with zinc oxide, talc, or precipitated chalk it may be used upon bed-sores with decided relief. Such combinations are valuable in intertrigo, chronic eczema, urticaria, and zoster.... / ...due to gaseous distention of the stomach, or to nervous irritability. In occipital headache, from mental strain, or overstudy, small doses of 1
A stearopten (having the nature of a ketone) derived from Cinnamomum Camphora. (Linné), Nees et Ebermeier (Nat. Ord. Lauraceae). China and... / ... diseases. Alone or with zinc oxide, talc, or precipitated chalk it may be used upon bed-sores with decided relief. Such combinations are valuable in intertrigo, chronic eczema, urticaria, and zoster.... / ...due to gaseous distention of the stomach, or to nervous irritability. In occipital headache, from mental strain, or overstudy, small doses of 1
CANTHARIS
The dried beetles, Cantharis vesicatoria (Linné), De Geer. (Ord. Coleoptera.) Southern Europe. Dose, 1 grain. Common Name: Spanish Fly; Synonym:... / ... Internal. Cantharis has a limited use in modern specific therapeutics. In very small doses it is a decided stimulating diuretic and special sedative to the bladder. One must be very careful, however,...1
The dried beetles, Cantharis vesicatoria (Linné), De Geer. (Ord. Coleoptera.) Southern Europe. Dose, 1 grain. Common Name: Spanish Fly; Synonym:... / ... Internal. Cantharis has a limited use in modern specific therapeutics. In very small doses it is a decided stimulating diuretic and special sedative to the bladder. One must be very careful, however,...1
CAPSICUM
The ripe fruit, dried, of Capsicum frutescens, Linné (Nat. Ord. Solanaceae). Tropical America; also cultivated in most tropical countries. Dose,... / ...ntion; debility with faulty gastro-intestinal functioning in the aged. Action.Locally capsicum is decidedly irritant, causing dermal heat and redness. It does not vesicate, however, unless long and ...1
The ripe fruit, dried, of Capsicum frutescens, Linné (Nat. Ord. Solanaceae). Tropical America; also cultivated in most tropical countries. Dose,... / ...ntion; debility with faulty gastro-intestinal functioning in the aged. Action.Locally capsicum is decidedly irritant, causing dermal heat and redness. It does not vesicate, however, unless long and ...1
CARYOPHYLLUS
The unexpanded flowers (dried flower-buds) of Eugenia aromatica (Linné), O Kuntze. (Jambosa Caryophyllus (Sprengel) Niedenzu). (Nat. Ord.... / ...ach and intestines, thus causing eructations of gas and flatus. The latter is no doubt aided by its decided antiseptic qualities. Like all aromatic oils large doses may provoke gastro-enteritis. Oil o... / ...oil of clove frequently relieves it. Eugenol. Derived from oil of clove and other sources may be given in doses of 1 to 3 minims.1
The unexpanded flowers (dried flower-buds) of Eugenia aromatica (Linné), O Kuntze. (Jambosa Caryophyllus (Sprengel) Niedenzu). (Nat. Ord.... / ...ach and intestines, thus causing eructations of gas and flatus. The latter is no doubt aided by its decided antiseptic qualities. Like all aromatic oils large doses may provoke gastro-enteritis. Oil o... / ...oil of clove frequently relieves it. Eugenol. Derived from oil of clove and other sources may be given in doses of 1 to 3 minims.1
CINNAMOMUM
...h has been added the oil of cinnamon separates and floats upon the surface, and if thus given it is decidedly irritant. If the medicine to which it has been added in over-amount is too valuable to thr......nflammatory and non-febrile forms. It warms the gastro- intestinal tract and dispels flatus, being decidedly useful as a carminative. It has the advantage of preventing griping when given with purgat...1
...h has been added the oil of cinnamon separates and floats upon the surface, and if thus given it is decidedly irritant. If the medicine to which it has been added in over-amount is too valuable to thr......nflammatory and non-febrile forms. It warms the gastro- intestinal tract and dispels flatus, being decidedly useful as a carminative. It has the advantage of preventing griping when given with purgat...1
COLOCYNTHIS
The dried, peeled pulp of the fruit of Citrullus Colocynthis (Linné,) Schrader. (Nat. Ord. Cucurbitaceae.) Mediterranean basin of Europe, Asia,... / ...ation with dry scybala and griping pain in the lower bowel (larger doses). Action.Colocynth is a decided local irritant. In small doses it is a stomachic bitter, exciting an increased flow of gastr... / ...of the fifth nerve, when the characteristic cutting pain prevails. It should be given also when colicky pain precedes or accompanies amenorrhoea.1
The dried, peeled pulp of the fruit of Citrullus Colocynthis (Linné,) Schrader. (Nat. Ord. Cucurbitaceae.) Mediterranean basin of Europe, Asia,... / ...ation with dry scybala and griping pain in the lower bowel (larger doses). Action.Colocynth is a decided local irritant. In small doses it is a stomachic bitter, exciting an increased flow of gastr... / ...of the fifth nerve, when the characteristic cutting pain prevails. It should be given also when colicky pain precedes or accompanies amenorrhoea.1
CORYDALIS
The tubers of Dicentra canadensis, DeCandolle. (Nat. Ord. Fumariaceae.) Eastern half of the United States, in rich soils of woods. Dose, 10 to 60... / ...Once a very popular Eclectic medicine, corydalis seems to have fallen into unmerited neglect. It is decidedly alterative and tonic. While not distinctly antisyphilitic, it may be used among other alte... / ...dysentery or diarrhea in pot-bellied children with foul breath and poor digestion. It should be revived as a remedy to promote waste and repair.1
The tubers of Dicentra canadensis, DeCandolle. (Nat. Ord. Fumariaceae.) Eastern half of the United States, in rich soils of woods. Dose, 10 to 60... / ...Once a very popular Eclectic medicine, corydalis seems to have fallen into unmerited neglect. It is decidedly alterative and tonic. While not distinctly antisyphilitic, it may be used among other alte... / ...dysentery or diarrhea in pot-bellied children with foul breath and poor digestion. It should be revived as a remedy to promote waste and repair.1
ECHINACEA
The dried root of Brauneria angustifolia, Linné (Echinacea angustifolia [DeCandolle], Heller). (Nat. Ord. Compositae.) In rich prairie soils of... / ...er diseased conditions anuria results while it is being administered. In the doses usually given no decided unpleasant symptoms have been produced; and no reliable cases of fatal poisoning in human be... / ...cent solution to full strength echinacea or echafolta may be freely used, syringing the channels with it. This gives great relief from pain 1
The dried root of Brauneria angustifolia, Linné (Echinacea angustifolia [DeCandolle], Heller). (Nat. Ord. Compositae.) In rich prairie soils of... / ...er diseased conditions anuria results while it is being administered. In the doses usually given no decided unpleasant symptoms have been produced; and no reliable cases of fatal poisoning in human be... / ...cent solution to full strength echinacea or echafolta may be freely used, syringing the channels with it. This gives great relief from pain 1
References
1) Felter, Harvey Wickes, 1922, The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Cincinnati, Ohio.